A NEW solar farm providing energy for 1,300 homes has been given the green light in the small Worcestershire village of Abbots Morton, near Inkberrow.

The 19,400 panel solar farm will be built on land at Morton Wood Farm, Morton Wood Lane, Abbots Morton, and was proposed by Sun and Soil.

The decision, made at Wychavon District Council's planning committee, to approve the plans was not welcomed by some villagers, who spoke against the proposal.

Abbots Morton parish councillor Nick Humphries spoke in opposition to the plans at the meeting saying the village were concerned about a civil row over access to the site and the disruption that would be caused by the construction.

"There are only 128 electors (in Abbots Morton) but 58 individuals have written in opposition," he added. "It's clear how the community feels about this application."

The application was also objected to by the British Horse Society, with their main concern being the distance allowed between the deer fence and solar panels creating a danger to horses.

Speaking to support the application was Andrew Allen, who said: "It will help keep the lights on when the existing power stations are failing, giving a real threat of black outs.

"The site is isolated and not visible from local housing."

And Colin Pemberton, of Goom's Hill, the neighbouring village to Abbots Morton, added: "Once installed the solar farm will be quiet, calm and well hidden from homes."

They were supported by local Wychavon Cllr David Lee, who said he did not feel there was significant opposition in the village after attending a parish council meeting where only 15 to 16 members of public attended.

Cllr Margaret Rowley added: "This site is actually in a little hollow. It isn't visible from a great distance."

Chairman of the committee Cllr Linda Robinson said she was concerned about the site imposing on the bridal way and requested an invertor on the site, which could make a noise disturbing to passing horses be moved.

"Yes, there's no doubt on our site visit today this site was away from anything but we can look at it a different way and say isn't that part of its charm?" she said. "They are such a Marmite thing these solar panels."

Speaking after the meeting Cyril Burton, chairman of the Abbots Morton Residents’ Association added: "Naturally, we are very disappointed with the decision."