AN ENERGY company has submitted controversial plans to create a solar farm in the Ribble Valley.

Mulbrick Clean Energy wants to build a solar farm within three separate fields adjacent to Little Snodworth Farm in Langho.

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If the plans are given the green light the farm could potentially generate enough electricity to power 1000 homes.

In plans submitted to Ribble Valley Council the development said it would include 17,842 solar panels, a substation and a two-metre high wire fence around the site. The farm would approximately fill 14 football pitches.

Frank Harvard, a Langho and Billington Parish councillor, said: “The council hasn’t met to discuss the plans, but my initial thoughts are that it could be quite an eyesore and will be visible for miles.” The development has been earmarked for greenbelt land.

However, planning documents say: “The planning authority is of the opinion that the proposed development is not likely to have significant effects on the environment.”

Cllr Harvard said: “The developers may say that it’s not considered an inappropriate development because it’s not producing smoke, but it will replace green fields with acres and acres of solar panels.”

Denis Teulon, who runs Langho Matters website, said “If people are unhappy with the size of the solar panel application then please use the formal method by visiting the Ribble Valley Council website and registering their feelings to the council.”

Agent Graham Donnachie on behalf of Mulbrick Clean Energy, said: “The purpose of green belt is to prevent coalescence of settlements and not to protect sensitive landscapes, but preserve the openness of the surroundings.

“A solar panel development is not considered to impact on the openness or permanence of the area given its low lying and unobtrusive characteristics.”

The plans said that construction will take approximately eight to 12 weeks of onsite activity but there will be no requirement for abnormally heavy or long delivery vehicles.

The spokesman said: “The applicant believes that the proposed development has been carefully designed and is sensitive to the local surroundings.”

Residents have until August 21 to respond.