A large-scale solar project proposed for 188-190 Marion Road in Rochester is likely to get bigger following a decision by the Zoning Board on Thursday night.

The property owner, Dan Webb of West Falmouth-based Meadowatt LLC requested a special permit for dual use of the property, which is currently residential/agricultural. Webb wants to install a commercial solar farm on the land and rent out a house on the property, which is not allowed under the town’s bylaws. For a commercial venture and a residence to be on the same property, there are several restrictions, including the requirement that the owner also live on the property.

Zoning Board Chair Richard Cutler asked if Webb would tear down the house on the property if denied the special permit.

Said Webb, “We thought leaving the modest house on the site was a reasonable thing to do instead of knocking it down for a larger array. We could demolish the house and expand the array, I just am not sure anyone’s best interests are served by doing that.”

But he did seem to indicate that was a likely outcome if denied the permit.

Webb also said that the land was purchased for the purpose of installing a solar farm because the landscape was flat, free of wetlands and easements and the town has no complicated bylaws, compared to some areas.

Several abutters spoke against the project, though most of their comments were not related to the one decision with which the Zoning Board was charged.

George Buler of 152 Marion Road said the town is losing much of its rural feel, and “I don’t really like solar panels. I’m not too impressed with it.”

Brad Taber of 160 Marion Road is also against the project.

“I’m strongly opposed to it,” he said. “It’s a residential neighborhood. It doesn’t belong there.”

Cutler said state law supersedes the town’s authority on solar.

Ultimately, the board voted unanimously against the special permit, saying the request was “not in harmony” with the bylaw.

The project has already come before the Planning Board and will again on April 26.