PLANS to build a 40,000 sq ft power plant at a Hampshire beauty spot have been rejected.

The National Grid had its eye on an area of county council-owned land between Warsash and Titchfield as the potential site for a seven-storey converter station the size of four football pitches.

It would feed power from France in a bid to slash rocketing energy bills.

However, the council bought the coastal area, at Chilling Farm near Warsash, almost 60 years ago to protect it.

The leader of Hampshire County Council, Cllr Roy Perry, told the policy and resources meeting that he firmly rejected the idea – but said the council will work with the firm to try to find an alternative site.

“I don’t think there is any price they can offer us that would allow us to sell that land,” he said.

“To propose this building, which is 25m high and 40,000 square foot, is just totally out of place in that location... The environment of Hampshire is very important.”

Officers recommended that a brownfield site – land that has been previously developed – should be sought for the converter and agreed to work with the National Grid to find a site.

There are currently four interconnectors linking us to Ireland, The Netherlands, Northern Ireland and an existing one with France.

In a statement, National Grid said yesterday: “National Grid Interconnector Holdings Limited is currently looking at whether it is feasible to locate a new electricity interconnector between the UK and France.

“Interconnectors are recognised by government as having an important role to play in providing alternative sources of electricity for this country and in keeping supplies secure and affordable.

“We have had a number of discussions with the council about the potential for locating the interconnector in Hampshire, including on a piece of land they own near Chilling.

“We remain committed to working with the local communities, stakeholders and interested parties, including Hampshire County Council, as we look to select a suitable location and route for the interconnector.”