A HUGE solar farm planned on land south of Gaston Lane, Farringdon, has been granted permission, despite being visible from the South Downs National Park.

Engendering concerns that the photovoltaic panels will represent "a blot on the landscape", the application had drawn strong opposition, not just from Farringdon but from neighbouring parish councils, with 79 objections also recorded.

Astonishing to some, however, and possibly the clinching factor, was that these concerns were not in the end upheld by the South Downs National Park Authority.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.