CONTROVERSIAL plans to erect more than 17,000 solar panels on land in Langho look set to be refused this week.

Mulbrick Clean Energy wants to build a solar farm the size of 14 football pitches within three separate fields adjacent to Little Snodworth Farm in Langho.

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But officers at Ribble Valley Borough Council are recommending that it should not be allowed.

The proposed plans include around 17,842 solar panels, a sub-station, a two-metre-tall wire fence and six five-meter-high CCTV towers.

It could potentially generate enough electricity to power around 1,000 homes.

In a letter to the council, a spokesman on behalf of the applicant said: “Solar farms have also been proven to provide an excellent opportunity to benefit the biodiversity within the site boundaries.

“The proposed solar farm therefore provides an excellent opportunity to diversify the land use, increase the site’s biodiversity and improve the habitat as well as increase the quality and the value of land.”

Billington and Langho Parish Council objected to the plans for several reasons.

Members are worried about things including the proposed development would lie within greenbelt designated land and would be visible from areas classed as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

In total, 85 letters have been received from 80 households objecting to the proposed plans that said it could have serious detrimental effects on local wildlife.

They also said the design of the panels were clumsy and unsightly in appearance and the proposal would not generate enough electricity to warrant spoiling three fields in the green belt.

In the letter, the applicant’s spokesman said one of the most significant benefits of a solar farm development is the creation of two purposes for the land.

He said: “From the land owner’s perspective, a low yielding field can continue with its current use while providing a diverse, secure and stable additional income stream allowing for reinvestment into the local economy.”

A decision will be made on the plans at the Planning Committee meeting at Clitheroe Town Hall at 6.30pm on Thursday.