Decisions will be made on plans for two major solar farms in the Wiltshire countryside over the coming months.

This summer, consultations on two controversial solar farm projects in the Devizes area were concluded.

Both developments would be built near the village of Potterne if approved, with land earmarked for solar schemes to the southeast and northeast of the community.

The first proposal scheduled to be decided is for a 49.9 MW solar farm to the south of Potterne Park Farm, while the second is for One Tree Hill, to the east of Blounts Court Farm.

In total, the two sites add up to nearly 300 acres of land, at 218 and 70 acres respectively.

With consultations completed, a decision on the first development is expected by Thursday, October 31 while Wiltshire Council should issue a decision on the second by January 31 next year.

READ MORE: Protesters in battle to block 'ludicrous' solar farm at iconic landmark

The proposed site at One Tree HillThe proposed site at One Tree Hill (Image: ADAS Planning) The One Tree Hill plans for a 15MW solar farm have been controversial due to their potential impact on the picturesque landscape overlooking the village and the lone tree that stands at the heart of it.

In June, protesters gathered at the site as part of a campaign to “save One Tree Hill”.

At the time, spokesperson for Potterne Solar Action Group Steve Holt said: “Firstly it was just a coming together of people of all age groups, all walks of life because they are not having their hill taken from them.

“There, overlooking beautiful views, in the sunshine, you could see for miles - 360 degrees in all directions – and silence all around.

“The one thing on everybody’s lips was ‘what a ludicrous place for a solar farm.'"

ADAS Planning, which submitted the application on behalf of developer Greenfield, previously said the scheme would provide “significant, long lasting, and wide-ranging” public benefits.

The proposed Potterne Park Farm siteThe proposed Potterne Park Farm site (Image: Potterne Solar Project Ltd) This would include enough renewable energy to power 10,000 homes.

The protest group has also opposed the development of the larger Potterne Park Farm site.

Responding to the consultation, Mr Holt added: “This is a multimillion-pound investment that will disrupt the lives of many local residents and scar the landscape around our villages forever.

“Our community is so concerned about the visual impact of this vast site on our countryside.”

Applicant Potterne Solar Project Ltd says there is an “urgent need” to replace coal fired power stations and emphasised the environmental benefits of the scheme would “far outweigh” any impact from the panels.