PLANS for a solar panel farm in New Milton that could power 5,000 homes has been recommended for approval despite objections. 

Full planning permission for a solar panel farm on land near Walkford Farm in New Milton has been recommended for approval despite objections from residents and Bransgore Parish Council. 

Said to be able to power up to 5,000 homes, the parish council stated that it feels the loss of agricultural land outweighs the benefits of the plans and that it also threatens potential harm to wildlife. 

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A spokesperson for Bransgore Parish Council said: "The committee felt that the loss of agricultural land outweighed the benefit of the solar farm, which would itself bring no actual benefit to the local area.

"Further concerns were raised over the proximity of the farm to SSSI landscape and the potential harm to wildlife."

Planned to take six months to construct, the proposed plans state the farm would be used as a solar panel farm for 40 years.

Recognising Bransgore Parish Council's wish for plans to be refused, case officer, Vivienne Baxter, stated she believes the benefits of providing renewable energy outweigh other considerations. 

In an agenda, Ms Baxter, said: "The scheme will deliver significant benefits in that it would provide renewable energy for a significant number of properties within the local area, thereby helping to reduce CO2 emissions and contributing positively to meeting climate change targets.

"it is considered that the benefits of providing renewable energy outweigh other considerations, and the proposal is considered to be justified in this location."

If approved, plans will be subject to conditions which includes the protection of early and late Iron Age burial grounds in the area.

New Forest District Council has received 14 letters of objection from residents who have expressed concerns about noise disturbance and the plans affecting house prices. 

Walkford resident, Sanda Finan said: "We already have a solar farm in the close vicinity, and this is taken into consideration by potential buyers when purchasing.

"There is absolutely no benefit to the local community as the power generated will not be used locally."