VILLAGERS living near the site of a multi-million pound solar farm scheme claim they have had little information or communication from the developer behind the scheme.

The controversial scheme to build 38,000 panels on 66 acres of field at Manor Farm in Llanvapley was granted planning permission 16 months ago.

Work by Conergy UK- the new owners of the scheme- is understood to have begun last week.

However residents say they have been left in the dark about any benefits to the community that such a scheme could bring.

Les Taylor, resident and member of the campaign group Beautiful Yet Threatened (BYTH) set up to oppose the scheme three years ago said work began unexpectedly last week.

“The people of Llanvapley have always been the last to know what is happening as regards the development of the solar farm,” he said.

“The reaction of people in the area to the start of work was predictable- the ‘desecration begins’, immensely said and disappointed.”

Mr Taylor said that while Conergy has agreed to attend a meeting of Llanarth Fawr Community council in the near future to discuss community benefits they remain concerned about the firm’s intention to sell the site to two Community Interest Companies. They will be required to share their profits with the communities they are linked to.

“The profits will be substantial and if they are invested in local communities they will strengthen them through funding of projects in, for example, village halls and churches,” he added.

Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay met with residents and representatives or local organisations on Monday to discuss the issue.

He said: “Unfortunately, the company carrying out this development, Conergy is proving difficult to contact and to enter into negotiations with. I wrote myself to the company last week but have not received a reply to date.”

Mr Ramsay said there seems to be no guidance on community benefits from renewable energy developments in Wales and has written to the Minister asking if guidance will be produced.

Conergy has been invited to attend a meeting in May to discuss the issue.

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

The Argus attempted to contact Conergy UK but they did not reply.