AN APPLICATION to build an enormous solar farm in Iron Acton was refused at a development control committee.

The proposed development by AEE Renewables to build solar panels on Green Farm, in Folly Road, Latteridge, Iron Acton, was brought before South Gloucestershire Council on Thursday, October 23.

A total of eight councillors voted for refusal of the plans on the grounds that it was an inappropriate development for green belt land.

AEE Renewables had proposed an installation of 37,000 solar panels, which would generate enough power for 2,020 homes.

The hearing saw three people from the area offering objections to the proposed development, citing a negative impact on the area’s visual amenity, an off-putting affect on walkers using nearby footpaths, and the proximity to several listed buildings, including Latteridge House, which is several hundred years old.

South Gloucestershire Councillor for Frampton Cotterell Dave Hockey spoke about the visual appeal of the area and its importance to walkers.

He said: “Latteridge is a small community of about 32 houses and this is a relatively large solar farm. There are a number of historic farm houses along the nearby street, adding to the visual amenity of the area.

“That is an issue that I wanted to put forward on behalf of local residents.

“I would also be interested to hear the officer answer the question on the distance between the exterior fencing of the farm and the nearby footpaths. Speaking as a long distance walker myself I appreciate the significance.”

Others speaking in objection at the meeting included chairman of Iron Acton Parish Council Peter Bellis and councillor and resident of the area Chris Heal.

They argued that the panels would put the agricultural land underneath out of use and that residents, on the whole, were against the development.

Cllr Heal said: “I know a lot of people who enjoy going walking on these fields. By looking at pictures taken in the spring you can really appreciate the beauty of the area, seeing the field covered in flora and fauna.”

The issue then faced debate from members, which veered into the national debate on the merits of solar energy.

The planning officer recommended approval on the grounds that the area did not contain enough visual amenities to warrant preservation.

He also said that, though the development was on green belt land and in close proximity listed buildings, the exceptional circumstances given the energy the farm would supply rendered the proposal worthwhile.

The proposal for refusal was put forward on the grounds that the development was inappropriate for green belt land.

It was also said that the proposed development would reduce the productivity of good quality agricultural land and be detrimental to the area’s visual amenity.

Eight members voted in favour of the refusal, with three against.

Cllr Heal said: “We’re very pleased with the outcome. At a recent parish meeting a number of people were really upset so it’s good to see they’ve listened to the community.”

Cllr Hockey said: “The causes for and against this planning application was finely balanced.

“Obviously the land is on green belt and is crossed by three footpaths which are very popular. It is also close to some listed buildings.

“It is a delightful area. I’m not surprised that the local concerns caused councillors to propose rejection. “