Major plans for a new solar farm in the countryside near Winchester have been submitted, despite concerns from a local councillor.

Developers Novus and Innova are proposing the solar farm at Pitt Down south of Sarum Road, Sparsholt and Farley Mount.

The site covers approximately 24 hectares and it's estimated that it would save approximately 4,054 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year and power around 4,722 homes a year.

If permitted, the solar farm would operate for 40 years.

City councillor Caroline Horrill, whose ward includes Sparsholt, said: “I am in favour of solar farms in the correct location and I am afraid this is not the correct location.

“It is an area of particular beauty with outstanding views and I have asked the land owners agent to consider other less obtrusive locations within their land holding.”

In the planning document, it said: “The site has been chosen primarily due to the availability of a connection to the National Grid, and a range of other factors have been taken into account.

“The application has been supported by ecological surveys which have informed a proposed landscape and ecological mitigation scheme. This has resulted in a biodiversity net gain of 31 per cent in habitat units and 30 per cent in hedgerow units.

READ MORE: Hampshire country pub undergoes £1m transformation ahead of re-opening

“At a time when there is a climate emergency, and as the country looks towards a green recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic and economic downturn, it is of key importance that renewable energy developments are encouraged, promoted and delivered swiftly. The proposed development is demonstrated to accord with the relevant national and local plan policies and should therefore be approved without delay.

“The site comprises of part of an agricultural field associated with South Lynch Farm and is accessed off an existing access point off Farley Mount Road.

“The site area extends to approximately 24 hectares. 

“Which would provide enough electricity to power around 4,722 homes a year. The proposed solar farm will save approximately 4,054 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.”

At the time of writing, no public comments have been submitted in support or against the scheme.

Nicola Jones, senior planning manager at Innova, previously said: "We attended the Sparsholt Parish Council meeting on November 17 where we provided a presentation and held a Q&A session.

"From this, we received a number of constructive comments from the parish councillors and members of the public."

For more details about the scheme, search 23/01025/FUL on Winchester City Council's online planning portal.