Plans have been revealed to extend the lifespan of a solar farm which was built on the site of a shooting ground and training place of a GB Olympian.

British Solar Renewables has submitted plans to West Dorset District Council to extend the lifespan of its solar photovoltaic park at the former Southern Counties Shooting Ground off the A37 at Wardon Hill.

It currently generates enough power for 2,791 households.

The original plans were approved by West Dorset District Council in January

2015.

Officers noted in the planning decision they had to consider whether the main benefits of the scheme, which included the production of electricity from a renewable source and the potential for job creation, outweighed any harmful impacts whilst having particular regard to the loss of a sporting facility.

The solar farm was only meant to be operational for 25 years and six months but the new plan could see an extension of the operations to 40 years and six months.

British Solar Renewables say the plans would feature minimal activity over its lifetime and would become a natural habitat for wildlife.

Case Officer Ann Collins says the proposal would deliver wider environmental benefits by providing clean, renewable and sustainable electricity, which would continue to contribute to national and

local targets for renewable energy.”

“In addition, the proposal would make a valuable contribution to cutting greenhouse gas emission and help tackle climate change.”

The shooting range, which was used as a training facility for the 2012 Olympic shooting star Peter Wilson, closed in 2015 following a problem over lead pellets contaminating a neighbour’s crops.

Following the closure, Peter Wilson, who won gold in the double trap event in 2012, said he feared for the future of British shooting there was a lack of practice grounds on a par with the Southern Counties shooting centre.

West Dorset District Council will determine the plans in due course following consultation with a number of stakeholders including Batcombe Parish Council, BT Network Alterations Projects and the Environment Agency.