PEOPLE living in and near a hamlet are fighting proposals for a third solar farm there.

A planning application from Blackstock Farms Ltd seeks to build solar panels on 16 acres of agricultural land at Pixford Fruit Farm, in Ash Priors.

As well as dozens of panels, the development would include transformer cabins, sub-station buildings and CCTV.

Protestor Vicky Shaw said: “The panels will be clearly visible from the Quantock Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that is a huge tourist attraction.

“It would have an impact on tourism businesses and on the local economy.

“There are also footpaths running along the fields which lots of walkers use and you can’t screen the panels from them.”

Lynn Lake is concerned about the potential loss of quality agricultural land and says to grant permission would fly in the face of Government guidelines.

She said: “In April 2014 the Government issued guidelines to planner saying it wanted solar panels on brownfield (used industrial land) rather than Greenfield sites.

“There are already two solar farms in Ash Priors and a further seven within a ten-mile radius.”

Objections already lodged with planners at Taunton Deane Council include the elevated position of the site, which contrasts with the low lying solar farm at nearby Sandhill Park, while there are worries of the impact of transforming “a grass field with sheep” into an easily visible site full of solar panels.

Other concerns include potential noise pollution, possible impact on horseshoe bats at Sandhill and fears that the “temporary” project, due to last up to 25 years, could become longer term.

Opponents are calling on people to lobby the local authority with their concerns before the deadline of August 4.

Landowner John Norman was unavailable to comment when the County Gazette spoke to him yesterday (Wednesday), but the application states that the scheme would have “minimal impact”.

A Deane spokeswoman said: “Any representations made will be considered by the council when it makes its decision on the application.

“Planning officers are currently considering the proposal and any comments received and the application will be determined in due course.”