Seend has found itself at the heart of a solar “gold rush”, according to campaigners who are opposing plans for solar panel farms.

A bid for a 79-acre solar farm near Poulshot has already been submitted. Developers also held a consultation in Melksham about a possible 165-acre site south of Sandridge Hill.

Other sites are planned near Box and Broughton Gifford and Wiltshire Council believes 30 per cent of its electricity will be generated by renewable sources by 2020.

Some 75 campaigners held a public protest on Saturday, unfurling two banners on Lye Field.

Organiser Jack Churchill said: “We had around 80 people there. There are plans under way for 472 acres of solar farm within five miles of the village, which would be 25 per cent of the whole county’s target, and we wanted to raise awareness because these developments are being pushed through.

“We are not opposed to solar power, but we want these things to fit in the best location, so people don’t have to look at them out of their window. If they get put in around here, it will change from a mostly green area to a blue one.”

The ‘Wake up Wiltshire’ campaign is urging residents to write to Wiltshire Council, opposing the plans.

Mr Churchill said: “Farmers are only doing this because of the subsidies in place. There’s a gold rush on at the moment. You wouldn’t agree to 25 per cent of the housing stock to be built in one place; it would have to be spread around different towns and cities. Our area is going to become solar city. It’s fantastic countryside. It’s going to be a real shame if this area gets built up.

“Planners should be notifying all the different parishes; otherwise, they go through without anyone knowing.”

The deadline for comments on the Poulshot plan in November 28. A Sandridge application is expected before Christmas.