Willersey solar farm proposals on display

Details of a proposed solar farm in the Cotswolds are going on display to the public.

Plans for the 44-acre farm in Willersey have already been submitted to Cotswold District Council by energy firm BELECTRIC.

They have attracted opposition from some residents who are unhappy about the panels replacing countryside.

The proposals are on display at The New Inn, Willersey, until 16:00 GMT.

BELECTRIC said the solar farm, which would be built on low grade agricultural land, would generate up to 5.6MW of electricity - enough to power 1,500 homes.

The company said solar panels would cover approximately 10 acres of the site and would be well-screened by existing and additional hedgerows.

'Greater understanding'

Director Toddington Harper, said: "We appreciate that some members of the local community have concerns about the proposals and would encourage people to take the opportunity to come along to the public exhibition to find out more.

"We believe that, by providing accurate information and a greater understanding of the project and its benefits, concerns expressed by some members of the local community will be alleviated."

Barry Knight, who is against the proposals, said previously: "What gets me angry is these councils have got so many unused building areas lying around, why don't they put them on there instead of taking the countryside up?"

Mr Knight said the panels would be seen from all the hills in the area, including Broadway Hill which he said attracted hundreds of tourists a year.

"I think eventually it will affect tourism as well, which is what the county relies on," he said.