The potential size of a proposed solar farm in Canterbury has been reduced due to compliance issues on the land. Far North Solar Farm Ltd has confirmed it has removed a section of land from its resource consent application to build a 181ha solar farm near Waipara, north of Amberley, after the landowner removed native vegetation from the site. The large solar farm project has drawn criticism from some locals who say it would have adverse impacts on the environment and to property values, pose risk to passing motorists from glare from the panels and question how the solar panels would stand up to strong winds.  The Hurunui District Council consent hearing got under way in the Omihi Community Hall on Tuesday morning (May 12), before independent commissioners Dean Chrystal and Shannon Bray. Speaking at the hearing’s opening session, Mr Chrystal said the clearance of indigenous vegetation (matagouri) had created a compliance issue for the landowner under the Hurunui District Plan.…