A CAMPAIGN has been launched to halt plans to build Britain’s biggest solar farm in the heart of Hampshire.

Residents in the Test Valley are to fight the scheme by German green energy giant Kronos Solar Projects.

They say that the proposal for 225,456 solar panels will look like a “prison camp”.

But Kronos have said they will work with residents to ease their concerns over the scheme on a 200-acre site at Eveley Farm in Houghton.

Solar panels on the site, owned by Test Valley Borough councillor Danny Busk, will be laid in rows and be no more than three metres high.

Resident Alan Josling, who has formed Broughton Against Kronos Solar, said: “The site, containing panels three metres high and a number of inverter stations, will be surrounded by wire fencing in excess of two metres high and resemble a prison camp.”

He said that at a meeting with Kronos residents were “largely hostile” towards the scheme.

“Around 80 people bombarded executives from Kronos with questions about its scheme for two hours,” he said.

“Answers from Kronos were bland and showed little concern for the Test Valley countryside and its residents,” said Mr Josling. He added that around ten people initially joined the action group but he’s expecting it to grow as more people become aware of the impact the scheme could have on Broughton.

Kronos project manager Makan Yarandi defended the scheme. He said: “Many residents did attend the public consultation, and while there were many questions and concerns that were highlighted by the residents, I did not believe it was hostile. Overall it was very productive, as we now understand the concerns that some residents have, and as a result we can now work towards addressing those issues.

“In addition, many residents and councilors were very happy with the information we provided and I am confident that they now feel more assured about the proposal.”

He dismissed a claim by Mr Josling that Houghton Parish Council has been offered £50,000 to support village amenities.