Colossal solar farm covering hundreds of acres planned for Derbyshire farmland

The development could see 325 acres covered by panels up to 2.8 metres (9ft) high.

Residents, backed by councillors and the area’s MP, have called the scheme ‘appalling’ and ‘a wholesale tragedy for the area’.

The plans, by Kronos Solar, cover a dairy farm between Alfreton and Oakerthorpe.

It is close to the site of another proposed solar farm by a different company, which is set to cover another 120 acres.

The proposed 49.9 megawatt solar farm is just under the 50MW limit for a solar farm development in England which can be approved by a local council.

John Cleary, whose home is one of several at a converted farm which stands to be encircled by the solar farm, said: “The beauty and tranquility of the area will be devastated by this development, will severely impact the well-being of so many local residents.”

Speaking on behalf of neighbours, he said residents at the farm are ‘supportive’ of renewable energy but have ‘serious concerns’ about Kronos’s application.

They are also unhappy they only found out about the project this month when the local council posted them letters – and say they haven’t received leaflets Kronos insist were sent out last autumn.

Councillor Valerie Thorpe, representing Oakerthorpe and South Wingfield, said: “No-one is denying we need alternative fuel, the residents are telling us it’s about balance and compromise.

“I see no mention of the ancient public footpaths which criss-cross the application site; the amenity and enjoyment use of these pathways will be severely compromised.

“These ancient pathways provide an important means by which residents of the villages and Alfreton can get easy access to open countryside, with substantial benefits for their physical and mental health.”

Amber Valley MP Nigel Mills is meeting with residents about the scheme. He said: “If the local planning officers recommend approval, I will ask for it to be called in to the secretary of state.

“I have never been a fan of solar farms – solar should be on buildings. The idea of countryside is we keep it open and don’t cover it in solar panels. My instinct is this is a very bad idea.”

James Owen, head of UK business development for Kronos, said the site is one of four currently under development by the firm around the UK.

He said the company only has two UK employees and that all profit would be made by the firm’s German owners – but added that the site would have local benefits through paying business rates to the local council and temporary local construction jobs.

He said the firm would also provide funding to invest in public amenities.

Mr Owen added that the firm was willing to listen to local concerns – include changing the design to reduce impact on the famous views - ‘if there is a way of designing a landscape solution that’s less harmful while at the same time hitting the required financial return’.

Mr Owen also said Kronos was committed to improving biodiversity on the site, which is a habitat for deer, stoats and badgers, by 10 per cent, including planting more woodland.

Hall Dairy Farm, which owns the proposed site, did not reply to requests for comment.