A REVISED scheme to develop a solar park in Shirenewton, near Chepstow, will go before Monmouthshire councillors for the third time next week.

The scheme was not supported by councillors at two previous meetings, held at County Hall, near Usk because they felt it would impact on an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Since the application was first presented to the planning committee the scheme at Rhewl Farm has been reduced from 33,264 solar panels to 31,779 covering 14.5 hectares.

The land is currently used for sheep and cattle pasture and is bordered by St Pierre’s Great Wood and the Wye Valley AONB.

The scheme would provide electricity for 2000 homes each year.

At a meeting last week, councillors were at a standstill on whether to approve the solar park with seven votes each to approve and against the application.

The AONB had previously rejected the application but is satisfied with the revised plans due to plants and hedge around the perimeter of the site adjacent to St Pierre’s Great Woods which would separate the views of the PV panels.

The council’s officers are recommending the plan is accepted on the condition money is paid to the community. The developer is willing to provide a green infrastructure bond of £11,000 for countryside access and interpretation, footpath improvements and a village pollinator project.

The applicant has approached Shirenewton and Mathern Community Councils and offered £20,000 as an annual payment of £2,000 for ten years or solar panels to be put on the roof of public buildings for at least 25 years.

Case officer, Kate Bingham said it would have ‘limited disturbance’ on the surrounding communities when the farm, which is expected to last for 25 years, is constructed.

The application will go before the planning committee on December 2.