Plans for an 80-hectare solar farm on Sandridge Hill, east of Melksham, were thrown out by Wiltshire Council’s planners today in a vote of seven against and four for the development.

The decision was delayed to allow councillors to visit the site and was made by Wiltshire Council’s strategic planning committee this afternoon.

The bid, which was to include a £44,000-a-year community fund, has attracted criticism from some residents in nearby Seend, who believe it will spoil their view of the countryside.