Villagers oppose solar farm plan near Abergavenny (From Free Press Series)

Llanvapley villagers oppose solar farm plan near Abergavenny

2:50pm Friday 8th March 2013 in News By Kath Skellon

Villagers oppose solar farm plan near Abergavenny (library picture)

PEOPLE living near the site of a proposed solar farm on the outskirts of Llanvapley, near Abergavenny fear it will have a detrimental effect on a nearby ancient monument and popular footpath.

Plans to put 45,000 panels on 66 acres of fields at Manor Farm, have been lodged with Monmouthshire council by energy specialist Camborne Energy Investments Limited.

The scheme would generate enough electricity to power 3,000 homes, saving 5,360 tonnes of Co2 emissions per year and have a lifespan of 25 years.

Llanvapley resident Alison Cooper, said the area has been unspoilt for hundreds of years and is admired by many from the B4233 and those walking on Offa’s Dyke.

Peter Miln, of Baileau, believes the development will be visually intrusive and seen from his home, garden and orchard.

He said: “There will be no community benefit, no extra services, jobs or housing.”

Iain Cattroll, of The Red Hart, fears a hedge up to three metres high around the site and a seven-foot security fence will make it harder for walkers, using a footpath that runs next to and through the site, to enjoy the views.

Stephanie Powell, of Duffryn Farm spoke in support of the scheme.

She said: “The solar park should provide an interesting asset to the area and help meet government targets for renewable energy.”

The multi-million scheme is the third in Monmouthshire and comes over a year after a solar farm of 22,500 panels on a 32-acre site across four fields at Llancayo, near Usk was constructed making it the largest site accredited by the electricity supply regulator in Wales.

In December 2012, permission was granted to create a second solar farm of 32,400 panels at Lower House Farm a mile away at Kemys Commander, near Usk.

Monmouthshire council has yet to consider the application.