AN appeal has been launched to resurrect plans for a huge solar farm which residents believe would become a blight on the landscape.

BE Renewables’ plans for a site the size of more than 50 football pitches at South Green, Fingringhoe were rejected by Colchester Council in January.

But now the company has lodged an appeal against the decision to block the scheme, called Holmwood Solar Farm.

The 64,000 panels would generate enough energy for 6,000 homes, but villagers believe the giant facility would be in the wrong place.

Before Colchester Council’s planning committee rejected the proposal, officers had recommended it for approval and BE Renewables are confident a planning inspector would find in their favour.

Business development manager James Ayres said: “We are concerned at the decision reached and how this came about.

“We recognise that local people should comment and their comments should be used to influence the legitimate planning process.

“Where this breaks down is where assessment of an application is influenced by non-material planning objections and misleading information used by those objecting to the development.

“This is a project that was investing in the community, creating local employment, engaging with local business with an estimated 60 per cent of the £20 million investment open for local and Essex based companies.

“Along with the community benefit fund of £18,000 per year, the long-term impact of this development could only have been good for the area.”

Jacqueline Taber, who has lived on nearby South Green Road for more than 50 years said: “This is just appalling news.

“If this was built then it would be a complete blot on the landscape because it would be huge and each of those panels would have to be transported through Fingringhoe.

“Colchester and the surrounding area is developing so fast there is so little rural area left.

“Lots of people like walking dogs there and at the moment it is very beautiful. Solar energy is like a new religion and I do not see the benefits.”

BE Renewables plans to lodge the appeal this week and it could be looked at by an inspector within 6 months.