WORK to create a solar farm on the outskirts of Abergavenny is likely to begin next year.

Energy specialists Conergy UK has acquired the site at Manor Farm in Llanvapley from the firm 3cenergy.

Conergy UK has confirmed the multi-million pound scheme to build 38,000 panels on 66 acres of fields will go ahead, almost a year after the Welsh Government allowed an appeal by the Camborne Energy Investments.

A spokeswoman for Conergy UK said the firm currently owns the site for the scheme, which was developed by 3cenergy. She said Conergy UK, which works closely with 3cenergy, will build the scheme and connect it to the National Grid before it is sold onto another investor.

“The scheme is still going ahead and is likely to be built during the first part of next year,” she added.

The original scheme by Camborne Energy Investments Limited for 45,000-panels sparked controversy among locals but was refused by Monmouthshire council’s planning committee in July 2013. A revised scheme for 38,000 panels failed after the committee went against its officers recommendations.

But the firm, which now trades as 3cenergy, lodged an appeal in March to build-what will be one of the largest solar farms in Europe-on land leased from farmers Robin Foord and Bernard Blackwell, and won following a five-day hearing held at the Shire Hall, Monmouth in March and October.

Clive Nield, the planning inspector appointed by the Welsh Government, concluded that the development would not have an unacceptable adverse effect on the character of the wider landscape area or the visual amenity of the area.

He added that it would have no serious effect on views into or out of the national park or on the settings of listed buildings or scheduled ancient monuments.

The scheme will create 25 temporary jobs and provide 2,788 homes with their total electricity needs.