Solar farm approved despite local opposition

After 40 years, the land near Long Sutton will be returned to the landowner

Plans to build a solar farm on about 136 acres of Hampshire farmland have narrowly been given approval.

Hart District Council voted five to four in favour of the application for fields between Long Sutton and Odiham airfield.

Ian Howard, from campaign group Save Our Landscape, described the project as "an opportunistic landgrab" which "removes valuable farmland out of production".

But developer Fleet Solar Ltd said the installation would provide enough energy to power about 18,000 homes, while grassland and wildflower meadows would be planted around and under the panels.

Speaking at the development management committee meeting, Mr Howard said people living in the area had "deep concerns", insisting such developments should be built "in appropriate locations, on new buildings, grey-belt land or alongside motorways".

Jim Goodbourn, chair of Long Sutton Parish Council, said "This is simply the wrong scheme in the wrong location.

"The serious negative impact on mental health, wellbeing and our environment cannot be overlooked."

The solar farm will be installed on fields between Long Sutton and RAF Odiham

In November, the government announced new climate change targets, aiming for an 81% cut in emissions by 2035.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has said solar power would provide "an abundant source of cleaner, cheaper energy on the mission towards 2030".

The Long Sutton project has approval for a 40-year period after which the solar farm will be decommissioned with the land returning to the landowner.

Fleet Solar Ltd plans to begin construction in the summer of 2027 and hopes to have the panels connected to the grid by autumn 2028.