Solar Farm Controversy Divides Ancient Village in Hampshire

The ancient upland track known as the Harroway, believed to be the oldest road in Britain, is facing a significant shift as plans for a 259-acre solar farm are set to transform the landscape around Long Sutton. This stretch of the footpath, which has served travellers and pilgrims since at least 600BC, is now at the centre of a heated debate amongst residents and local authorities.

Locals are voicing their concerns over a project that will see 2.6-metre solar panels adorned with 2-metre galvanised metal deer fencing, complemented by 3.5-metre metal poles supporting CCTV cameras every 50 metres. The scale of the development is comparable to 160 football pitches and has been met with backlash from the community.

Residents have expressed their fears about the impact on their village, with one local describing the plans as turning the area into a “concentration camp” for the next 40 years. Even supporters of the Green Party have labelled the project an “abuse of the climate emergency”, highlighting the stark divide between progress and preservation in the context of renewable energy initiatives.

The Hart District Council’s planning committee recently voted in favour of the solar farm by a narrow margin of five to four. A report backing the development underscored its alignment with the government’s net-zero objectives for 2050, stating that renewable energy is a key priority. Despite this, the proposal has drawn nearly 200 official objections from community members, with many arguing that the unique character of the village will be irrevocably altered.

Long Sutton, a village of fewer than 700 residents, is home to properties with an average price of £850,000. As the debate rages on, the tension between embracing renewable energy and safeguarding local heritage becomes increasingly apparent. Some residents like Terence Miller have expressed support for the solar farm, believing it thoughtfully minimises potential impacts while addressing urgent energy needs.

As Long Sutton grapples with the implications of this development, the balance between environmental responsibility and community preservation remains at the forefront of the discussion.