Solar panels will cut the costs of water treatment at a plant in Littleton-upon-Severn.

Bristol Water’s development did not require a formal planning application but local representatives said the “sensitive rural location” said it should have been open to public scrutiny.

A 993 kW solar array will be installed at the 1.76-hectare site in Village Road but it can easily be removed to restore the land to its previous condition.

The plans said: “The proposed  solar panels will contribute towards powering the water treatment operation.

“This will reduce the high cost of importing energy from the grid.

“The proposal will therefore make an important contribution to providing renewable energy for the operation of the works, playing an important part in Bristol Water’s plans to reduce reliance on grid imported electricity as well as meeting wider social and environmental sustainability objectives.”

Aust Parish Council did not object to the solar panels in principle but said the site is a “sensitive rural location” with “considerable wildlife value” so the “application should not be allowed to proceed without a planning application being submitted to public consultation on the merits of the development.”

This was backed up by South Gloucestershire Council ward member Councillor Matthew Riddle, who said it “should be treated like any other solar farm application”. He added: “A solar farm producing 993kW is a large piece of infrastructure in the parish.”

Bristol Water’s proposals came under “permitted development” so South Gloucestershire Council planning officers said there was no consideration of planning merit – the assessment was just based on facts.

The development was approved.