PLANNING chiefs have given the green light for a 20-hectare solar farm on land currently used as a Christmas tree plantation north of Wareham.

The firm behind the proposal, which will see around 20,000 solar panels installed at the Oaklands Plantation, says the 5.8MW farm will generate enough electricity to power 1,500 homes.

And the application, agreed by Purbeck District Council, received strong support locally – with many nearby residents arguing in favour of the green energy scheme proposed by renewable energy supplier and generator Good Energy.

Denise Bell of the Silent Woman Inn spoke on behalf of the local community at the planning committee meeting in support of the application, as did a resident living adjacent to the proposed 30-year development. While some concerns were raised about the timing of the works and increased traffic movements, there were no representations at the meeting opposing the scheme.

Good Energy senior project developer Hugo House said: “We are very happy that this scheme has been backed not only by the planners but by the local community.

“Our solar farm will help make a significant contribution towards Dorset's renewable energy targets.

“Councillors and local residents who backed our plans have shown their own commitment to a future where more electricity is supplied by green and clean sources.”

The Oaklands site, between a landfill site and commercial forest land, is well screened, say developers, and is currently used as a Christmas tree plantation, grazing pasture and motocross track.

Some areas of the site will be adapted to recreate heathland and a wetland area to provide habitat for wildlife.

Construction of the Oaklands solar farm is scheduled to begin next spring.