PLANNING permission for a solar farm at Mapperton has been quashed.

Lawyers for Katharine Butler, daughter of diplomat Sir Michael Butler who lived at Mapperton until his death a year ago, brought the case to judicial review. Mrs Butler had the backing of the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

Today the High Court quashed the planning application for the solar farm on the land owned by South Dorset MP Richard Drax.

The development had been proposed by Good Energy. The developers said the scheme would generate enough clean electricity to supply 6,000 homes.

Mrs Butler said: "We are delighted. I think it's vindicated our view of the project."

But she added: "We will wait to see what happens next."

More to follow.