Hundreds object to solar farm plans

If built, developers say the solar farm could power 11,000 homes

Hundreds of people have objected to plans for a solar farm next to a canal.

Formal plans have been submitted to Stroud District Council to install photovoltaic panels on more than 117 acres of farmland next to the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, just south of the village of Epney.

If approved, PACE Tribute Energy Limited said the panels would power around 11,000 homes.

Consultants working on the scheme said the solar farm would not have a significant adverse impact on landscape character or residential properties.

In total, more than 260 comments have been made on the plans via the council's website.

One objector said the area was "already inundated with solar power plants".

"It is unreasonable to impose yet another on those of us who live in this area," they added.

Another commenter said a nearby solar farm development was already causing traffic and construction noise.

Gloucestershire County councillor Stephen Davies said residents recognised the need for solar farms and were not against them in general.

"The concern is the overdevelopment of these in the flat piece of land between the M5 and the Severn.

"This is overdevelopment on farming land that is equally important for food production," he said.

The plans are due to be voted on by December.