PLANS to build a solar farm on rural land in Hook have sparked criticism from residents. 

The application, submitted by Fleet Solar Ltd, outlines plans for the installation of a ‘solar photovoltaic farm and associated ancillary works’ on land at White Hill Well, Hook, which will power approximately 18,600 UK households according to the developer.

Fleet Solar has said the development is 'temporary in nature' with planning permission being sought for 40 years, after which, 'the site will be returned to its existing condition’ as it is ‘effectively fully “reversible” upon decommissioning’.

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The company says the solar farm is ‘required in response to both national and local renewable energy targets’, with Hart District Council having committed to becoming a carbon-neutral authority by 2035, and a carbon-neutral district by 2040.

However, more than 100 residents have objected to the plans for a number of reasons, including disruption to nearby historical buildings, agricultural land and the loss of biodiversity.

Katherine Jordan, of Long Sutton, said: “This application should be refused on the basis that it does not reflect either national or local guidelines for such a development.

“This application is inappropriate based on the Government's most recent guidance for renewable energy sites given that the land is neither non-agricultural or poor quality. In the 15 years I have lived in the village I have only seen it used for high quality and yield grain crops.”

Eileen Hogan, a fine arts and theatre professor from London, has also objected to the plans, as she says the "proposed development will, through noise and visual incongruity, damage the life of Andrews Farm immensely".

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Andrews Farm is a grade-II heritage building in Long Sutton, which Prof Hogan says is "unique to British theatre history" as the grounds were created by theatre designer Jocelyn Herbert whose family will be "immensely harmed by the solar proposal’ as Herbert was ‘always gentle and respectful of its [the farms] history and surroundings".

Odiham Parish Council has also expressed objections to the application, due to the "loss of 260 acres of either good or very good agricultural land" as well as the nearby location of Chosley Solar Farm in North Warnborough which was granted planning permission in 2021 by the district council.

However, the plans have also received comments of support from residents, with Olivia Guthrie of Long Sutton, writing: “I believe that we must start taking steps to embrace more sustainable power sources. This has to start with communities like ours (and planning in general) agreeing to well-considered schemes like this.”

More details of the planning application can be found on Hart District Council’s planning website at reference number 23/02591/FUL.