A SOLAR farm in Alkington should be given the go-ahead according to Stroud District Council planning officers.

The five MW development – that could produce enough power for 1,200 homes – has been objected to by four parish councils but was given the backing of a local pub manager.

Whether or not to grant planning permission will be decided by the council’s development control committee next week – Tuesday, October 13.

Alkington, Hamfallow, Stinchcombe and North Nibley parish councils have all objected to the plans citing the potential damage it would cause to the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Alkington Parish Council met in July to discuss the plans for the solar farm adjacent to the railway and unanimously agreed to object the proposals following concerns about the visual effect on the area and nearby listed buildings and the potential damage the farm could cause to tourism.

Stroud District Council officers have recommended that permission be granted for the development because of the benefit of the renewable energy it would create and that proposed hedging and screening of the development would diminish the negative visual impact.

Jane Lampard from Lower Wick objected to the plans saying that the proposals would “considerably scar the landscape”.

Mrs Lampard said: “I am concerned that the above proposal would considerably scar the landscape as seen from the road from the A38 to North Nibley. It is a lovely unspoilt landscape from there looking up towards Tyndale Monument.

“I am not totally against the proposal but would like it to be restricted.”

Supporting the plans, David Heenan of the Stagecoach Inn, Newport said: “In a few years time we are told the lights will start to go out. This development and others like it are essential if we are to maintain the power grid and meet our carbon emission obligations.

“Objectors on the grounds of blot on the landscape don’t even notice the power lines, nuclear installations, railways and wind turbines. Once in place they are soon forgotten.

“Perhaps there should be a register of Nimbys, and when the lights go out they should be first on the list.”

The proposals will be discussed by Stroud District Council’s Development Control Commitee on Tuesday, October 13 at 6pm. The meeting will take place at the council’s council chamber at Ebley Mill, Stroud.