PLANS for a 143-acre solar farm in the Chew Valley have divided opinion with one parish council calling for the development to be reduced in scale.

Regener8 Power Ltd has submitted plans to Bath and North East Council which, if approved, will result in a 55-megawatt solar farm being built Bishop Sutton and Temple Cloud.

Some have welcomed the renewable energy project while others have raised concerns over its impact on the landscape, given it would be operational for 55 years.

The proposed development would involve the installation of ground-mounted solar panels across farmland south west of The Street and Stowey Lane.

West Harptree Parish Council said in response to the application: “We appreciate and support B&NES in seeking to promote renewable energy, however, there is plenty of evidence that solar farms present a material threat to our environment.

“We believe that future generations will look back on decisions to permit solar farms on agricultural land and say that we were foolish.

“If the development is to proceed, it should be reduced in scale.”

Temple Cloud Cricket Club said any glare from the panels could be “detrimental” to the site and the club’s ability to play cricket.

Hinton Blewett Parish Council says it does not object, providing certain conditions are met, including improvements to the “current flood situation” which results in water run-off from fields onto Stowey Road.

Regener8 said in a planning and access statement attached to the plan: “The infrastructure necessary for the proposed development would be set within the existing field pattern, with all field margins and boundary vegetation retained.

“The development would provide a clean, renewable and sustainable form of electricity and will also make a valuable contribution to the generation of electricity at a local level.

“According to the Environment Agency, the site has been identified to be at a very low risk to surface water flooding.”