A BID to build a solar farm just 700 metres from a Great War aerodrome will be decided at appeal.

The plans for land at Blood Lagoon just of Hackmans Lane in Purleigh were submitted to Maldon District Council in July last year.

Lightsource Renewable Energy wanted to build the five megawatt solar farm just metres from Stow Maries Aerodrome.

Planning officers had recommended it for approval but councillors rejected the plans in November amid concerns pilots could be distracted by the “glint and glare” of the panels.

Five councillors voted for the application, with 12 councillors opposing it.

Now Lightsource has appealed the decision.

The proposal would provide renewable energy to power approximately 1,500 homes per year.

The energy generated would be fed directly into the local power grid network for use by the nearest points of demand.

Lightsource also had plans for a second solar farm directly adjacent to the aerodrome on Hackmans Lane rejected.

It has not yet decided whether it will appeal that decision.