Elgin Energy uses the approach of stating the benefits the community will enjoy if it is allowed to build the 132-acre solar farm between Watchet and Washford.

The proposal has been criticised by residents who believe that some principles are more important than profit or company value.

It is a fundamental fact that solar energy is a green illusion. There is significant fossil fuel energy consumption in their manufacture, and if damaged, the heavy metals used can leach into the ground water.

There are environmental issues of land use and habitat loss, valuable agricultural land becomes redundant, and the damage to visual amenity for the resident is immense.

The potential effect on the Washford-Watchet route and the Williton bypass are additional problems.

To offer in defence that the panels would be less intrusive than wind turbines provides no information about the impact as it only gives a comparison.

We need to challenge the plans when they are submitted to the council and ensure our voice is strong and clear.

Steven Cross, Huish Lane, Washford.