Liberal Democrat controlled Winchester City Council has approved plans for a controversial solar farm to be constructed in Sparsholt, despite widespread and fierce local opposition. Much of the opposition was not against the solar farm itself, but the location in what is a beautiful greenfield site. Novus Renewable Services Limited, the developer, claims the farm will provide enough power for over 4,500 homes.
Cllr Caroline Horrill, Leader of the Conservative opposition group on the Council, summarised the local feeling: “At no stage has anyone indicated they are against solar farms – in fact, quite the opposite. However, what is clear today is that the location of this solar farm is completely inappropriate and, despite many options being brought forward, no progress has been made on the alternative sites." She urged the Liberal Democrats to work to find a solution which "works for all members of the district.”
However the Liberal Democrats in control of the Council ignored the pleas of local people and let the application pass.
Source and a full report can be found here: New solar farm approved by Winchester planning committee | Hampshire Chronicle