CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a solar farm in the Hampshire countryside have been thrown out after sparking more than 50 objections.

MTS Exbury Solar Ltd lodged an appeal after its proposal to redevelop a 22-acre site on the Exbury Estate was rejected by the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA).

But Greg Clark, secretary of state for communities and local government, has upheld the NPA’s decision.

Kate Ashbrook, general secretary of the Open Spaces Society, said: “It’s an excellent result which means that a beautiful area close to public paths has been spared from a terrible eyesore.”

Government-appointed planning inspector Bern Hellier dismissed the appeal earlier this year and Mr Clark has rubber-stamped his decision.

The two men cited the visual impact of the proposed development, adding that great weight should be attached to the importance of preserving the beauty of the national park.

They also agreed that the benefits of the solar farm were “clearly outweighed” by the considerable harm it would cause to the landscape.

Ms Ashbrook said: “The inspector noted the significant impact on users of a nearby footpath and bridleway known as the Lepe Loop recreational route, an attractive five-mile route promoted by Hampshire County Council.

“It’s a great relief that this damaging development has been so roundly condemned by both the inspector and the secretary of state.”

Peter Hayward-Broomfield, chairman of the local parish council, added: “The solar farm would have been an eyesore and we’re happy that the scheme has been turned down.”

The original application was rejected by the NPA in February last year after critics claimed it would result in the “industrialisation” of agricultural land.

Objectors had included the New Forest Association, the Campaign to Protect Rural England and the 122-member Exbury and Lepe Community Group.

NPA member Richard Frampton said: “It will change the face of the site for at least 25 years and will be wholly detrimental to the area. There is no way we can afford to take good agricultural land out of production for a blot on the landscape.”

But the application was supported by Sally May from the New Forest branch of Friends of the Earth. She said the solar farm would produce enough electricity to power 1,500 homes and added: “I would ask anyone who objects to the application ‘where do you think our energy will come from in the future?’”

Other supporters of the proposal said the proposed development would provide a long-term income for the Exbury Estate.