Plans for a new solar farm in Bishop's Waltham have divided opinion among residents.

The application is for a solar farm on the land at Locks Farm, in Botley Road.

The proposals include a battery storage facility, new access road and footpath.

It is estimated that the farm will provide renewable energy to power 5,500 homes for one year.

However, on Winchester City Council's website, 39 comments have been submitted from different people against the plan.

A total of 17 comments in support have also been submitted.

The objectors have cited reasons such as it spoiling the character of the area, causing disturbance, harming a heritage site and harm to wildlife.

Penny Copeland, from the Bishop’s Waltham Museum, said: “The known Roman remains found by Mr Houghton c. 1890 are somewhere in the vicinity of the revised access road.

“In all likelihood, the newly proposed road will require landscaping and therefore excavation. As a minimum we would expect some archaeological prospection to ensure that the new road does not inadvertently damage a Roman site.

“We are also concerned that the plant and power hub for the site sits directly in front of Locks Farm House – a locally designated heritage asset, and dating from c. 1600. This, and the road which leads to it will inevitably affect the setting of the building.”

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Robert Ireland, of Clewers Hill, Waltham Chase, said: “This solar farm will be more or less just behind our property and although I have no problem with green energy as it's a way forward, but obviously it has other downfalls. Wildlife suffers as this land is occupied by lots of deer which are getting driven further away.”

The group, Winchester Action on the Climate Crisis (WinACC), are strong supporters of the proposal.

WinACC's comment said: “This single renewable energy development would deliver output equating to almost two per cent of our district’s total consumption of electricity. That represents a significant response to the climate emergency in our district, delivering a clear public benefit, funded by private finance.

“WinACC appeals to all parties involved to work towards a successful outcome to this application.”

Brian Shorter, of Mount View Road, said: “There really is a climate emergency, and we must do all we can to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This proposed development will provide a significant amount of renewable electricity.”

Ursula Payne, of Alison Way, said: “In the light of global warming and the government's commitment to full decarbonisation of the electricity grid by 2035, I strongly support this solar farm as a contribution to the rapid growth in solar PV capacity required.”

The deadline for comments is July 22. To view details and comments on the application online, search 21/01391/FUL on Winchester City Council's planning portal.

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