VILLAGERS in Stocklinch are opposing plans for a new solar installation on agricultural land in the area.

Campaigners voiced their concerns at a meeting in the village about Solar Century’s plans to install an extended 10MW photovoltaic array on a 50-acre site at Parsonage Barn in Stocklinch Road, Whitelackington.

They say that although they support renewable energy projects the site, part of the Dillington Estate, is grade two agricultural land and that its value outweighs the subsidised production of electric power.

Villagers have written to South Somerset District Council to highlight their concerns, which include the ‘industrial character’ of the array and that all properties on Owl Street have direct views to the intended site.

Campaigner Stephen Catchpole said it had been claimed the land would still be classed as agricultural because grass would be growing under the solar panels. “That is ridiculous,” he said.

“At the moment there are leaves on the trees. In the winter it will be like living next to a giant car park.”

Fellow villager David Tucker said campaigners are also concerned that the array would cause noise pollution, be a potential distraction to motorists on the A303 because of glare and that it would have an impact on property prices in an area of natural beauty and historic interest.

But a spokesman for the applicants said: “The benefits of the development outweigh any impacts caused.

“There will be no adverse impact on residential properties given the benign nature of the development once constructed.

“The development will also benefit the local economy by further diversifying a large agricultural estate which plays a significant role in the area.”