Early plans have been unveiled for two “solar parks” on the outskirts of Keighley, but the applicants have been told they will have to prove they won’t spoil the countryside.

Green Switch Solutions is in the initial stages of creating two parks, fields containing dozens of solar panels, at Jaytail Farm and Rough Holden Farm, both on Holden Lane, between Keighley and Silsden, and in the green belt.

Bradford Council has given the go-ahead for an “environmental impact assessment” on both sites. If approved, the development could see up to ten hectares of solar panels generating electricity.

The firm has pledged it will hold a public consultation before any work starts.

A statement by Green Switch said: “We have been approached by the local land owner to undertake a feasibility study for the development of a solar park. This is at an extremely early stage, and any findings are some months away.

“It is worth noting that solar PV parks do not generate any noise, have a very short construction period, and stand no more than three metres in height.”

Planning officer Martyn Burke said: “I am concerned about the prominence of the land and the suggestion the solar park could extend up to ten hectares.

“The site falls within the Airedale Landscape Character area and might have impacts on the Rombalds Ridge Landscape Character area. In consideration of any planning application it would be necessary to weigh the benefits of the proposal against its impact on the character of the landscape.”