A PARISH council is supporting an application for a new solar farm, after previously objecting to it.

Bishop's Waltham Parish Council submitted a supporting comment for the plan, at Locks Farm, Botley Road, on July 19.

It said: “Bishop’s Waltham Parish Council supports this application but requests that any mitigating measures recommended within the various reports are conditions of any planning permission given (to lessen the impact on the immediate neighbours and surroundings).”

The previous objection, sent in June last year, cited reasons such as noise pollution and impact on the character of the area. Since then, the developer has engaged with the parish council to explain the benefits the solar farm would bring.

Since the start of July, the plan has had 27 supporting and eight objecting comments.

Hampshire Chronicle: Map of the [proposed site for the solar farm at Locks Farm, photo: Intelligent Alternatives

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.

READ MORE: Solar farm plans in Bishop's Waltham divide opinion

A spokesman from the developer, Intelligent Alternatives, said: “The proposals are in line with the government's aspirations to see a doubling of solar deployment within the UK, as the country moves towards a net zero energy strategy and looks to comply with the various tests and standards required to be a suitable location, in planning terms.

“The site itself has been selected as it is well screened by existing mature hedges and trees, and provides a contained setting for the scheme, while helping to support the diversification and future proofing of a third generation farming family by helping to support their business as it adapts to the changing agricultural world.

“Linked with the scheme, the local community will be able to benefit from the use of a new permissive path which will help walkers avoid having to walk along a section of Botley Road, and will generally help improve the connections between the public rights of way in the immediate area.

“The local parish will receive a one off community benefit payment when the scheme is energised and this will allow the parish council to invest in its infrastructure to the benefit of the wider community.”

An objection, sent by Carl Ganderton of Botley Road, said: “I am objecting to the further industrialisation of green agricultural land with the planned addition of a solar farm in Bishop's Waltham.”

A supporter, Sarah Gooding of Fordington Avenue, said: “I continue to support this planning application because it is essential that we switch our energy generation to renewable sources as a matter of urgency. Winchester district has a responsibility to generate its fair share of renewable energy.

“Please think about the future of our children and grandchildren and do what is right for everyone.”

To view details and comments on the application online, search 21/01391/FUL on Winchester City Council's planning portal.

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