Willersey solar farm revised plans submitted

Belectric wants to install seven acres of solar panels at the site near Willersey

Plans for a solar farm in the Cotswolds have been reduced in size following a public consultation.

Energy firm Belectric has scaled down proposals for the site at Willersey near Chipping Campden, by a third.

Solar panels have been removed from the western side of the site under the amended plans. The company said it would generate 4MW of electricity.

Protesters, who voiced concerns about the plans at a public meeting last month, said they welcomed the move.

Belectric said solar panels would cover approximately seven acres (2.8ha) of the 23 acre (9.3ha) site, known as the Rainbows.

'Rubber-stamping'

Barry Knight, of campaign group Save Our Cotswold Countryside, said: "Whilst this is indeed a welcome move, we shan't become complacent.

"The whole area which could become available to this solar panel farm is just short of 100 acres and we believe this is a smart move by the developers to apply for a smaller site to gain planning, with Stage 2 to follow swiftly afterwards.

"It would be a question of rubber-stamping any subsequent land bordering that which is already approved."

Belectric said 85% of respondents who completed a questionnaire at the public consultation stated their support or strong support for the project.

The planning application is due to be considered by Cotswold District Council on 12 June.