A SOLAR farm is one step closer to being built after plans were revised.

The firm behind the project to fill a Romsey farm with 24,000 solar panels, standing 2.5m above the ground, moved their proposed site after protected great crested newts were found on the field they originally hoped to use.

But wildlife organisations fear the project could harm wildlife at a neighbouring nature reserve.

Wiltshire-based Solstice Renewables has invited the public to have their say at a second consultation after it revised its plans for a 32,000 panel “medium sized solar farm”, moving the site to another field at Warren Farm in Highwood Lane between North Baddesley, Ampfield, Crampmoor and Halterworth.

But Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, which owns the neighbouring Baddesley Common and Emer Bog nature reserve, says it is still concerned about the plans for the 10-hectare (25-acre) plot currently used for growing maize.

Senior planning ecologist Trevor Codlin said: “Property boundaries don’t mean anything to wildlife. Many of the species on our nature reserve – including birds like skylarks and reptiles and amphibians like adders and great crested newts – live in and use the surrounding land too.

“There is real potential for inappropriate development on Warren Farm to harm the wildlife living in the area and on our reserve.

“We remain concerned about the application, and await more information.”

The proposed site is three-quarters of the size of the original one and will generate six mega watt peak (MWp), enough electricity to supply 1,800 average homes.

Solstice Renewables estimates it would save 2,700 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year if it gets the green light.

The firm says the site, which will be concealed by hedges, will continue to be used for agriculture. A wildflower meadow would be planted between the panels throughout the summer and sheep could graze there during the winter.

They have also pledged to set up a community benefit fund, which will see an estimated £6,000 being given to causes in the surrounding area each year for its 25-year lifespan.

Director Giovanni Maruca said: “Boosting biodiversity is a key priority for Solstice Renewables and we will be developing an ecological plan tailored to the site, sowing native grasses and wildflowers around the panels to encourage more wildlife and help stem the decline in pollinators like bees and butterflies.

“As well as transforming the site into a wildlife haven, we will maintain the land with grazing sheep so that it continues to be used for food production as well as generating renewable electricity.”

The consultation will be held from 4.30pm-8pm on March 2 at the Sports Pavillion, Sandy Lane, North Baddesley.

It is likely to go to planning this spring.