NORTH Bradley residents are fighting plans for a solar farm between the village and Southwick, with many claiming that it would be an “eyesore” and would spoil the green belt.

The plans, submitted by Wessex Solar Energy, would see a 12.5ha solar park installed on land to the west side of Axe and Cleaver Lane in Southwick, off Bradley Road.

The field is just 0.5km to the west of North Bradley and the village's parish council objected to the plans at its June meeting, saying it would be a “misuse of a greenfield site enjoyed by many local residents”.

Parish councillors supported objections made by several members of the public, including Chris Menheneott, of The Rank, North Bradley, who believes the solar farm would have a visual impact on homes in the village.

“The whole of North Bradley is against these plans, but sadly many people believe it is inevitable and there is nothing they can do to stop these things or think they will benefit directly by cheaper electricity,” said Mr Menheneott.

“I think there is little doubt that it would be a significant eyesore to many homes in our village and it would affect our enjoyment of the countryside and spoil footpaths that are used by many people who like to walk their dogs.

“It is a great pity that Southwick Parish Council supported this application. We know there are many people in Southwick who are not happy about it as it’s the last bit of green belt between the villages.

“This development also contravenes Government policy as it would be on land used currently for agricultural production and it is my belief that this site is completely unsuitable.”

Mr Menheneott has written to MP for South West Wiltshire Andrew Murrison about his fears, as he also expects work on the solar farm to cause an increase in traffic along the road between the villages.

Trowbridge resident Ben Rawlings also wrote to the council to object, saying: “I hope this development does not take place and threaten a relatively small and green space that divides and identifies both villages from the town.”

A decision is expected to be made on the 5MW solar farm, which would take four months to construct according to the developer, on August 13. People have until July 15 to let the council know their views.