PLANS for a giant solar farm the size of more than 80 football pitches on a Hampshire estate is set to be thrown out.

The facility which was set to be built on the historic Broadlands estate near Romsey has been recommended for refusal by planning chiefs.

Energy company Solarcentury say the 86-acre facility, which could be built on farmland at the estate, will have more than 57,000 panels, providing enough energy to power more than 4,400 homes.

Earlier in the year the plans for Grove Solar Farm went on display at Woodley Village Hall, and they were met with mixed feelings by residents.

And Test Valley Borough Council planning officers have recommended the plans for refusal because the size and scale would have an unacceptable impact upon the landscape.

They also say that not enough information has been submitted by Solarcentury to conclude that the economic benefits to the facility having a renewable energy proposal on land deemed to be ‘best and most versatile’ agricultural land quality.

The plans will be decided at Test Valley Borough Council’s Southern Area Planning Committee on Tuesday.