More than 60 hectares of solar panels could be built on farmland surrounding Broughton Gifford, after plans were revealed for a third solar farm near the village.

Developers SunEdison and Solar Planning Limited have earmarked a 20.2 hectare site on land at Little Chatfield Farm, where they believe they can generate enough renewable energy to power almost 3,000 homes.

The plans will be presented at a public exhibition at Broughton Gifford Village Hall on April 15, when the developers will be on hand to answer questions from the public.

Work on a 22-hectare solar site caused anger among residents of Norrington Lane last week, after delivery problems at the site led to articulated lorries queuing and churning up mud on the lane.

Plans for a third, 28-hectare site north of Melksham Road were lodged with Wiltshire Council in December.

The area has recently seen a ‘solar goldrush’, with a decision on an 80-hectare solar farm on Sandridge Hill, east of Melksham, recently delayed by Wiltshire Council’s planning department to allow councillors to visit the site.

The final decision on the bid will now be made next Wednesday, by Wiltshire Council’s strategic planning committee when they meet at 1.30pm.

The bid, which includes a £44,000-a-year community fund, has attracted criticism from some residents in nearby Seend, who believe it will spoil their view of the countryside.

Plans for a 5.5 hectare site on Wadswick Lane, near Box have recently been amended and resubmitted, after they were rejected by Wiltshire Council.

For more information about this most recent proposal, visit www.solar-planning.co.uk/littlechalfield