Massive solar farm plan sparks fears for landscape

Opposition group Haxted Mead United said the development will "remove valuable farmland"

Villagers in Surrey are opposing plans to build a 220 acre (89 hectare) solar farm "surrounding their homes".

Belltown Power says its proposed development east of Lingfield in Tandridge will "support biodiversity, ecology and the local community", while "generating enough green energy to meet the annual needs of approximately 24,000 homes for four decades".

The company, which applied for planning earlier this month, added that the land will "maintain its greenfield classification" and return to its original use once the 40 years expires.

But residents in nearby Haxted claim the site - equivalent to 138 standard football pitches - will "permanently alter the natural landscape".

Opposition group Haxted Mead United (HMU) said the development will "remove valuable farmland" and scar the rural area by affecting rights of way, walking routes and local wildlife.

The site is also a known floodplain, particularly in winter, the group added, while construction would "bring heavy vehicles to narrow roads, causing congestion, noise pollution and potential damage".

Developer Belltown Power called the project "thoughtfully designed"

HMU are currently raising funds to commission risk assessments into its above concerns.

The group said that, while supporters of renewable energy, "this isn't about sustainability but profit.

"It sets a dangerous precedent for industrialising green-belt and farmland all over the UK."

And, as well as suggesting a number of viable alternative locations, they also pointed out that a similar 61 acre (25 hectare) development is already underway in neighbouring Edenbridge.

However, a spokesperson for Belltown Power said that soil testing carried out at the designated site "does not comprise of the best and most versatile agricultural land, in compliance with planning policy".

They called the project "thoughtfully designed," adding that they have "engaged with all residents within a 2km radius to gauge their views".

Based on that feedback they have "minimised the visual impact of the project" by incorporating new hedgerows and trees, floodplain wildflower meadows and "2.5km of new footpaths to connect existing routes and provide scenic walks along the River Eden".

They added that they will "continue engaging with the community throughout the planning process."