VILLAGERS are celebrating after a bid to build a new solar farm, the size of 50 football pitches, was refused.

The site, which is on land south of Holmwood Farm, in Fingringhoe, would have been covered in 64,000 solar panels and surrounded by a metal fence and hedges.

It would have created enough power for 3,600 homes.

But residents were concerned about the size of the development, the extra congestion it would bring to the village and the impact on wildlife.

Colchester Council’s planning committee voted against the application, which was made by Liverpool-based company BE Renewables.

Jonathan Martin, 42, who has lived in the village with his wife and daughter for three years, spoke during the meeting on behalf of residents.

After hearing the result, he said: “People in the village are proud of that part of the nature reserve.

“The planning officers were strongly in favour of the application, so we knew we had a battle on our hands.

“People just felt it wasn’t a proportional development in terms of the size and location.

“It was a good result for the community, but the overwhelming feeling is relief.”

Dave Harris, councillor for Berechurch, spoke during the meeting having recently discovering the solar farm’s cables would run through his ward.

He was concerned about months of potential disruption for his residents.

Speaking after the result, he said: “I think common sense has prevailed. The impact for people on that part of the estate would have been immense.”

The application had been discussed by the committee in October, but it was adjourned for more details to be collected.

If the application had been approved, it would have been sent to the Secretary of State to see if he wanted to call it in, after a request from Harwich and North Essex MP Bernard Jenkin.

A spokesman for the developer said his team has engaged with residents.

During the meeting, he said: “We have engaged thoroughly throughout the programme and have had support within the community.

“It will bring employment and contracts for local businesses.”

The decision was refused on a number of grounds, including size, visual impact and highways concerns.