UPSET residents in a Worcestershire village have labelled plans to install almost 27,000 solar panels in nearby fields as an "industrial monstrosity".

The people of Monkwood Green are up in arms over the idea and have formed an action group to fight what they believe will be a devastating "blot on the landscape".

But one of the landowners behind the scheme has strongly defended the plans, claiming they will help save the planet and safeguard the future of her farm.

Local homeowners however fear the project, which would see 26,800 solar panels, two-metre high security fencing and CCTV cameras installed across three pasture fields the size of 17 football pitches, will damage picturesque countryside.

These concerns are amplified because the proposed site at Green Farm and Bush Farm is next to Monkwood nature reserve - a haven for flora and fauna which attracts walkers and wildlife enthusiasts from far and wide.

Annette Collett, of Monkwood Solar Farm Action Group, which has about 25 members, said: "We are concerned and upset at the thought that the countryside could be spoilt.

"There is a sense of disbelief that people would want to do this - it will have a big impact on our lovely area.

"When you walk in the countryside you expect to see grass, bales of hay and animals, not rows and rows of solar panels and fencing.

"We are very concerned that the well-used network of footpaths and bridleways within the proposed site will be overshadowed by an industrial solar monstrosity.

"There is a real danger of losing another part of our very important local heritage."

She added that the development would not only affect homeowners in Monkwood Green but would also impact upon the numerous visitors to the adjacent nature reserve.

Landowner Jayne Poole, of Green Farm, who is working with the company Rochester 009 Limited on the solar farm, however has accused villagers of a "vendetta" against the project.

She said: "Like all farms in this current climate, we are struggling to generate enough income to save our farm.

"We were approached by a company about the solar farm and we felt it was a good idea.

"The two fields are out of the way and no-one will see them, except the few people who use the bridleway, and wildlife will have a superb, happy life regardless of the solar farm.

"A vendetta has been started against us and we don't really know what the protests are about.

"This is saving the planet and it would be educational to show children how we will produce energy in the future."

She added that the solar panels would be removed after 25 years and that donations would be made by the project to Monkwood Green common.

A decision on the application, which has been submitted by company Rochester 009 Limited, will be made by councillors at Malvern Hills District Council.

The Worcester News attempted but was unable to contact Rochester 009 Limited.

For more details on the action group's work visit saynomonkwoodsolarfarm.co.uk