CONTENTIOUS plans which could have seen a solar farm built on a Gloucestershire nature reserve have been scrapped.

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) issued a statement this afternoon saying it was withdrawing its planning application for the array of 4,186 solar panels at Sandpool Farm in Poole Keynes.

WWT strategic planning officer Steve Webb said in the statement: “We believe we need to consult further with local people”.

“We also intend to establish hedges which would shield the array from those who live near the site as well as provide additional wildlife habitat.

“We will then reconsider submitting the planning application next year.”

The plans prompted anger from residents and wildlife enthusiasts in the area, with one article on the Standard website prompting a record amount of comments.

The WWT statement said the charity’s work to build solar arrays was part of its effort to combat climate change and it would always act in the best interests of wildlife and residents.