Appeal over plan opposed by Charlotte Dujardin and Carl Hester

Developers have challenged a decision to turn down plans for a solar farm opposed by equestrian gold medallists Charlotte Dujardin and Carl Hester.

Pathfinder Clean Energy UK Dev Ltd was refused permission to install the solar panels on farmland in the Forest of Dean.

Councillors rejected the scheme over concerns it would harm the views from May Hill.

There was also strong opposition from local residents and the parish council.

In July, Forest of Dean District Councillors turned down the plans for the site on about 34 acres (4000 sq/m) of land north of Stream Lane in Upleadon.

The solar panels would have powered more than 2,600 homes, the developer said.

Among those objecting were British dressage gold medallists Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin along with Italian rider Vittoria Panizzon who use the nearby narrow country lanes for riding.

Upleadon parish councillor Eddie Wood said he is also against applications of this type on farming land.

"We are getting hundreds of acres taken up. You include that with all the housebuilding that's going on. Future generations are going to have a terrible problem getting enough food to feed them," he said.

"The day's already here where we can't produce enough food for our own people. It will be very difficult to eat those solar panels.

"We're not going to get very fat on them!"

Consultants working on the scheme told the planning committee that the solar project is a vital part of addressing climate change.

Pathfinder Clean Energy UK Dev Ltd has appealed against the council's decision and whether the scheme gets the go-ahead or not will be decided by a planning inspector in due course.

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