PROPOSALS to build one of the UK’s biggest solar parks on the outskirts of a Test Valley village will go before planners this afternoon.

The renewable energy farm will be constructed on a 178 acre site on the edge of Wellow and provide power for around 9,000 homes.

However, many residents are split over the plans, with some in support but others up-in-arms.

The plans, by Hive Energy, involve building thousands of solar panels on the site Woodington Farm.

It will be operational for 25 years, before the panels are taken down and the area is turned back into agricultural land.

As part of the scheme deer fencing will be placed around the site and CCTV camera will be installed.

It is also proposed that, like with similar schemes, the land within the perimeter fencing would be managed by sheep grazing – the application states this would enable the agricultural use of the site to be retained.

Test Valley Borough Council planning officers have earmarked the scheme for approval.

Borough councillor Nick King, who sits on the planning committee, said: "There are people in Wellow who both support and oppose the plan.

"But for me there are issues about the landscape aspects of it.

"Nevertheless, if it gets the go-ahead then there are some good aspects for it, including investment in the area and the creation of jobs.

"However, I think the flip-side of that is this is a very large area of countryside that is going to be turned into a solar park – one that is much bigger than any others locally. It will have a big impact on the people of Wellow.

He added: "There is clearly a need for renewable energy, but in my opinion it would be more acceptable if we had a number of smaller areas than one large location.

However, Cllr King reiterated that councillors will make a decision based on the information they will hear at the meeting.

The largest solar park in the UK is housed in the neighbouring county of Dorset. It produces power for 60,000 homes and is situated on the outskirts of Christchurch on a 310-acre site However, despite the Wellow scheme's size in comparison, many are opposed to its scale next to a village.

One of those objecting is Wellow Parish Council.

It says that although they appreciate the necessity for green energy, the sheer scale of the solar part will "forever change the landscape character of the area".

In a letter to the planning officers, clerk Sharon Whitehouse added: "The visual impact will (also) be felt much wider than the immediate vicinity. Views of this open countryside site can be seen for many miles around.

"In addition, the borough has already recently accepted a great deal of solar park infrastructure on several sites and no overriding needs for a park of this scale and size has been demonstrated.

"Have the borough's targets already been exceeded?"

Another against the plans said it would spoil the picturesque village.

In a letter of objection, Kenneth Twyman, of East Wellow, said: "(It is) unnecessary intrusion into the countryside and destruction of agriculture land which has in the past grown exceptional cereal crops.

"Pig have been on this land for sometime now and in fact have improved it from a farming agricultural point of view. There is already an excess of solar parks in the surrounding area."

But some are in favour of the proposals, as they say green energy is better for the environment.

In a letter of support Sally Gard, of West Wellow, said: "We are huge supporters of green energy and feel solar panels are an excellent alternative to gas/oil fired production plants.

"Solar panels are low to the ground and do not obstruct anyone's view or make a noise.

"Our European neighbours have invested heavily in these; as we are all aware of the inexhaustible growth in energy consumption coupled with the scientific evidence of global warming.

"We all want to maintain our beautiful landscape and wildlife. This is a renewable, environmentally friendlier option. You have our full support."

The plans will go before planners at the Southern Area Planning Committee meeting at Crosfield Hall, Broadwater Road, Romsey from 5.30pm today.