Floods of supporting comments have been submitted for a new solar farm in the countryside near Winchester.

A total of 36 comments have been sent to Winchester City Council backing the scheme at Pitt Down south of Sarum Road, Sparsholt and Farley Mount.

One objection has been submitted so far.

Developers Novus and Innova estimate that the solar farm would save 4,054 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year and power around 4,722 homes annually. It would operate for 40 years.

Christine Holloway, of St Swithun Street, said: “We need to create as much renewable electricity in Winchester as we possibly can. We must stop producing energy by burning fossil fuel and adding to global heating. 

“I frequently walk near here and I prefer to see solar panels than to see our green countryside and wildlife killed by climate change.”

Hazel Agombar, of Egbert Road, said: “Of course this should be granted planning permission. We face a climate crisis. Every opportunity for renewables should be found. 

“This is a relatively small area of land that will make a difference to energy supply. Thank you to the councillors who are leading on this. We desperately need more of this kind of initiative - to give our young people some hope that we are taking the climate crisis and their future seriously.”

READ MORE: Concerns over location of planned major solar farm in Hampshire countryside

Dr Robert Whitmarsh, of Bereweeke Avenue, said: “I am strongly in favour of allowing this solar farm to be constructed. I know the area well, having walked and cycled through it for many years, and although some or all of the panels will be visible from some locations to the south and east on balance I feel this is a minor disadvantage of the plan.

“The impact of global heating will be with us for generations if proposals such as this are turned down whereas a solar farm is a temporary construction lasting no more than 40 years.

“Sites suitable for a solar farm with a convenient and relatively connection to the national grid, such as this one, are relatively rare.”

Andrea Swain, of Upper High Street, sent an objection to the proposal. She said: “Whilst recognising the need for farmers to maximize income and the need to reduce reliance on fossil fuel, this is not the location for such development.

“It is highly visible in long views. It has strong landscape quality. It is quality agricultural land. It is a vulnerable site between Winchester and Southampton which requires additional protection.

“Even with a proposed landscape scheme, given the sloping nature of the site, planting could not alleviate the seriously detrimental impact on the rural character of the area contrary to national and local planning guidance which seeks to protect the landscape value of the countryside.”

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