Concerns have been raised about plans for a solar farm on land near Acton Court.

Enso Energy have submitted a planning application for the installation of a solar farm and battery storage facility at Elm Farm, just 200m from the historic manor house near Iron Acton.

The solar farm would provide the electricity to power 6,300 family homes for each of the 35 years it would be in operation.

But Lisa Kopper, custodian of Acton Court, said in her response to the application that it is 'unconscionable' the development would be permitted.

"There is no question the installation of a large solar farm will have a massive impact on the setting of Acton Court," her objection stated.

"Not only will we be able to see it very well during the winter months but we will also see the 'glint' all year round.

"There are loads of solar farms being built everywhere in this area. This is at the expense of our wildlife, our greenbelt, and in this case our heritage.

"It is unconscionable that the council should even consider placing this kind of visible industrial facility so close to one of the most important buildings in the country."

If the plans are approved the solar farm will be built over a six month period with construction vehicles accessing the site. Lisa has long campaigned against the amount of HGVs using the roads near Acton Court.

Others to object include Joa Migdal, who called the application 'completely unacceptable'.

"Acton Court is as precious as Stonehenge and look what care is taken there," they said.

Colin Armorgie said in his objection: "It is not a good use of land in this area.

"In many ways it is more intrusive than development for commerce or new residential use.

"There is undeniably a need for the UK to look strategically at sources for future energy provision but there are areas of the UK more suited to solar PV.

Simon Wheeler, head of development at Enso Energy, said: “We have to change the way we generate energy in this country, which is one of the reasons why South Gloucestershire Council recently declared a Climate Emergency.

"This solar farm would generate enough urgently needed renewable energy to meet the (equivalent) electrical needs of approximately 6,300 local family homes every year it’s in operation.

“Before submitting this application we conducted a number of detailed assessments to ensure that this was the right location for a solar farm.

"The findings of these reports demonstrate that this temporary solar farm would have a significant positive impact on the land’s biodiversity, whilst having a low visual impact locally and no significant effects in respect of cultural heritage."