VILLAGERS have criticised plans for a massive solar farm in north Wiltshire.

A 271-acre site with 166,000 panels could be set up near a substation in Minety. But an action group is arguing that the environmental damage would outweigh its benefits.

Members say the county has already made a major contribution to creating renewable energy and that four other planning applications around the substation have already been approved.

Minety Solar Farm Action Group has collected 130 signatures from neighbours in nearby villages to protest the plans by JBM Solar Projects.

So far, 60 objections have been sent to Wiltshire Council.

Patrick Crawford from Oaksey said: “People were shocked when we told them about it, they either had no idea it was happening or realised how big it will be.

"The environmental impact would be huge. There are endangered and protected species like curlews, fritillary butterflies and roe deer. There will be no connectivity between habitats because wildlife corridors will be destroyed."

The applicant wants a 40-year lifespan for the development and says it is a "considerable opportunity for landscape and biodiversity mitigation and enhancement."