PLANS to build a solar farm on land in Malshanger have come under fire from residents.
The application, submitted by NextPower SPV 18 Limited, outlines plans for a 30 megawatt ‘solar farm and associated development’ on the land at Hook Lane, which will power approximately 8,750 homes in the local area, according to the developer.
NextPower has that the solar farm will deliver "substantial biodiversity enhancements", including conversion of arable land to diverse grassland and more hedgerows.
However, the plans, which include building a substation and a switchgear building have sparked criticism from residents.
The objections criticise the scale of the project, with the site almost 70 hectares in size, as well as concerns about disruption due to traffic and the removal of wildlife.
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Alexandra Nesbit, of Wootton St Lawrence, said: “Solar farms should not spoil breathtaking countryside but should be used in more commercial areas. This is a rural area and should be kept so to protect the wildlife and the rights of the people that choose to live in the countryside.”
Janice Brock, of Hannington, said: "The estimated movement of two to three HGVs per hour for 12 months construction period will cause excessive disruption, inconvenience and damage to the local community; cyclists, walkers, horse riders and drivers on the narrow winding lanes, and exacerbated general traffic congestion on connected feeder roads."
Ramsdell Parish Council has also expressed objections to the plans due to the extensive area of land proposed for the solar farm which is "good agricultural land and could be used for growing crops".
However, the plans have also received comments of support from residents, with Jennifer Stark-Portz, of Upper Wootton, writing: "I think that the plan for a large solar farm which would serve the local community is a much-needed development for our future growth and sustainability. Although none of us particularly would like such 'farms' to 'blight' our green and pleasant land, it is a necessity for our future lives and livelihoods in the countryside."
More details of the application can be found on the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's planning website at reference number 23/03012/FUL.
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