Plans for a major solar farm near Bishop Auckland have been refused by Durham County Council after residents branded the proposal 'utter madness'.
The scheme, backed by Downing Renewable Developments, would have seen a 27-megawatt solar farm built on land east of Addison Road in Toronto, covering around 47 hectares of farmland.
Councillors agreed to turn down the site in a planning committee meeting on Wednesday (October 7).
A council report said the project's "location, size and form of development" would result in "unacceptable harm to the character, quality and distinctiveness of the landscape".
(Image: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL PLANNING PORTAL)
A total of 38 public responses were submitted during the consultation, including 36 objections and two letters of support.
Among those objecting was a nearby resident who wrote: "It's utter madness to even consider it, and anyone claiming that the wildlife and habitat will not be disrupted is clearly delusional.
"Put solar panels on roofs first, and preserve what green fields we have for nature."
Another resident said the proposal was "out of place and will destroy the visual amenity provided both to local residents but also to visitors of both the railway and nature reserves".
They added: "What they are proposing will have a detrimental effect to the local wildlife, some of which is rare and red-listed."
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A further objection stated: "This area is currently valued for its natural appearance and open views, and installing an industrial-scale development would negatively affect both the aesthetics and the overall rural environment."
Officers acknowledged the scheme would have generated enough electricity to power around 10,000 homes a year and deliver biodiversity improvements.
However, they concluded the visual impact on the Wear Valley landscape was too great and recommended refusal.