A SOLAR farm which could power over 1,500 homes a year has been approved against planning officers’ recommendations.

The 20,000-panel solar farm will cover 11 hectares of farmland – the equivalent of about 17 football pitches – at Hill Farm, between Duns Tew and Deddington, North Oxfordshire.

Cherwell District Council officers said the solar farm would have an adverse impact on the countryside but councillors disagreed, saying panels were “adequately shielded” from view. Lead member for planning Michael Gibbard said: “While we do accept this is a large development, the applicant has put a lot of thought into protecting views from the surrounding countryside by shielding the site with natural borders of flowers and trees.

“Furthermore, there are very few homes within the immediate locality which would be affected by the introduction of a solar farm to the area.

“Members therefore agreed this was a suitable location to permit the development, which will help contribute towards sustainable energy production for future generations.”

Thousands of panels will be set in rows from east to west and are expected to be in operation for about 25 years.

Applicant Earthworm Energy Limited has also said it will build wildflower buffers, grassland and trees along the site boundaries to help minimise the impact on the landscape.

The solar panels will create enough energy to power 1,515 homes each year.