A MASSIVE solar farm is set to be built in Cheshire West, despite concerns over loss of farmland.

Cheshire West and Chester's planning committee gave the green light to plans for the facility on land south of Woodford Lane, Winsford.

The proposals include rows of solar panels, transformers, substation, CCTV and landscaping.

The site spans seven fields and once operational would be in place for 40 years, producing 19kw of power - enough electricity for 5,500 homes.

But opinions were divided at the planning meeting, with some speakers saying the scheme would lead to a reduction in usable farmland in the area, while one planning chief said the council had to 'walk the walk' in its commitment to tackling climate change.

Alan Barrow, who lives directly behind the site, told the committee: "We are not against renewables but they must be put in the correct place, such as roof spaces, on houses, industrial sites and brownfield sites. This is 60 acres of very productive grassland and has been farmed for hundreds of years."

Duncan Howie, director at applicant Anglo Renewables, said: "Solar is a source of cheap power, something we need during a cost of living crisis. It also reduces our reliance on foreign imports."

Ward councillor Simon Boone told the meeting: "The land has been productive dairy pasture for hundreds of years, the current land user leases this land and therefore the productivity of milk production shall be reduced with no benefit to the current tenant, this means that this is likely to seriously undermine his business."

The committee was told by officers that the permission would be temporary, and that the site could be changed back for agricultural use in the future. They were also told the land was classed as grade four, which is considered 'poor quality'.

Committee member Myles Hogg, told members: "In my opinion we must walk  the walk as well as talk the talk - as our American cousins say.

"It’s a temporary application, it’s grade four land which is the poorest grade, it can be grazed but can’t be used for arable purposes as I understand it. It’s close to national grid connections."

He added: "Quite frankly madam chairman, if we don’t accept this when will we ever accept such a solar farm?”

The plans were passed with eight voting in favour and three abstaining.