Plans for Wiltshire solar farm unveiled

Plans for a solar energy farm the size of 18 football pitches will go on display in Wiltshire later.

The Sunpower Corporation, a US firm, wants to install panels across 35 acres (14 hectares) north of Allington, near Chippenham.

But the Campaign to Protect Rural England is concerned about the effect on the countryside.

The Sunpower Corporation said it would seek to locate the panels in an unobtrusive area.

Company spokesman Sean Murphy said: "We always work with the local planning authorities and stay away from environmentally sensitive areas.

"If you're looking for unobtrusive areas to locate these plants you can normally find them and that is what we seek to do as part of our operations.

"From a distance you would probably find it hard to even see these things."

George McDonic, of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, said: "We consider the idea of covering lots of fields with these panels to be contrary to the idea of preserving our countryside.

"I'm not opposed to all these developments but they have got to be in the right place. Much of England is beautiful countryside and we do want to make sure it is properly protected."

The plans will be on display at the Kington St Michael Village Hall between 1400 GMT and 1900 GMT.