Residents have criticised plans to build three solar farms throughout Comet country.

An application submitted to North Hertfordshire District Council proposes building solar farms on Rush Green Farm in Langley, land at Baines Lane in Knebworth, and land at Hall Farm in Graveley.

Applicant Green Energy UK Direct (GEUK) says the farms could supply power to 6,000 homes a year but would take up approximately 126 acres of grassland. Some residents say this would be “unacceptable”.

Sarah Walker, of Back Lane in Graveley, said: “It would completely ruin the aesthetic beauty of the countryside and take so much away from what can be such a beautiful view – it would look like a metal factory roof.

“I, like many people I have spoken to, think it would be completely unacceptable. I think a solar farm would be completely out of place here and an abuse of beautiful countryside land. I sincerely hope it does not get the go-ahead.”

GEUK planning officer Daniel Corcoran has said the company will take residents’ feedback into account when progressing with the application – including their views on the “visual impact” of the site.

Tim Brooks, of Hitchin Lane in Knebworth, said: “I really hope they do take everyone’s views and opinions down as part of their application.

“It would be very sad if this were to move forward without any thought to the people whose very lives would be most strongly affected.”

North Hertfordshire District Council is to determine if GEUK needs to submit an environmental statement – determining what the environmental impact of the site would be – later this month.