RESIDENTS in Crossways could have one of the first solar farms in the UK on their doorstep.

VOGT Solar has submitted a planning application to West Dorset District Council for the farm which could provide enough energy to power 1,200 homes.

Crossways Parish Council chairman Andrew Brewer said residents and councillors were generally in support of the proposal for land off Redbridge Road, to the east of Crossways

He said: "The council was given a presentation by the firm. The reaction has been generally favourable, but some residents have raised concerns over the visual and environmental impact.

"We will continue to talk to the developers.

"The energy it would produce would apparently satisfy a village the size of Crossways."

Vogt considers the site ideal for its plans which involve putting 1.6 metre by 1 metre panels in a field. They would be mounted between one and three metres off the ground. Livestock can continue to graze around them.

Sunlight intensity levels, grid connection to a sub-station and good road access are all major factors.

The site is also free of any landscape, ecological, archaeological or conservation issues.

Sue Sutcliffe, from Vogt Solar, said: "The site is suited to a solar farm. It will be built using recyclable material and tends to look like a lake from a distance.

"It's the quietest neighbour anyone could ever have."

John Greenslade, West Dorset District Council development services manager, said: "The planning application we have received is incomplete and so has not been registered yet.

"When it is complete we will publicise the application and consult with the local parish council and any neighbouring residents."

Vogt is already consulting residents in Farrington, North Dorset, over plans for a similar-sized solar farm there.