A temporary solar energy park is set to be installed just outside a Berkshire village after the project received the green light from councillors.

The site on the edge of Shurlock Row will see photovoltaic solar panels, six small power stations and ancillary buildings set up in a field for 35 years. In addition, an adjacent field will be landscaped for biodiversity enhancements.

Councillors on the Maidenhead Development Management Committee approved the application despite concerns being raised about the site’s Green Belt location.

However, council officers had recommended the plans go ahead due to the “significant reduction in carbon emissions” that could result from the project.

Their report also pointed to the applicant’s agreement to set up a community fund and the planned biodiversity enhancements as factors mitigating the Green Belt fears.

Speaking before the committee, parish councillor Sarah Goodchild said: “Whilst the parish council understands the need for greener energy, we strongly object to this application.

“Meeting our energy goals should not be used to justify the wrong development in the wrong location – and this includes the use of farming land within the Green Belt.”

She added: “Solar farms are unsightly and will fundamentally change the landscape for at least 35 years.”

Councillor Leo Walters voiced similar concerns, saying: “We won’t have any Green Belt left if we go on like this.”

However, councillor Geoff Hill defended the plans, praising the potential increase in renewable energy capacity from solar power.

He said: “I’m a great believer in solar power, along with the other forms of renewable energy.”

The councillor also suggested it would be preferable to reduce dependency on imported energy, especially in the wake of rising prices caused by the war in Ukraine.

He added: “To not vote with this and go against officer recommendation stands in the way of progress. It reduces our own production capacity by not having it.”

The application site is split between an east and west field, with the latter set to house the solar array and the former earmarked for the proposed biodiversity projects.

The solar panels are planned to be in rows 1.5 metres away from each other, tilted at a 25-degree angle and standing at a maximum height of 1.59 metres from ground level.

To allow sheep to pass underneath, the bottoms of the panels will be 0.63 metres above the ground.

Plans for the east field include two shallow flow ponds, beetle and bee banks, and additional planting of native species within the hedgerow boundaries.

Under the conditions listed in the officers’ report, the development will have to be removed and the land restored to previous agricultural use after the 35 years have elapsed.