8:10am Saturday 6th April 2013
VILLAGERS in Llanvapley opposing a proposal to build a third solar farm in Monmouthshire have formed a campaign group.
BYTH, the Beautiful Yet Threatened group, was set up by six residents to protest against a proposal to put 45,000 panels on 66 acres of agricultural land at Manor Farm, on the outskirts of Llanvapley, near Abergavenny.
The scheme by Energy specialist Camborne Energy Investments would generate enough electricity to power 3,000 homes, saving 5,360 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year for 25 years.
The group’s spokesman, Les Taylor, of Firs Road, said: “This could be the biggest solar farm in Wales, if approved.”
“We don’t object in principle to solar farms if they are of a sensible size and in a suitable location.”
He said the area is admired by visitors from tourist spots such as White Castle, the Skirrid Mountain and Offa’s Dyke.
“The view from White Castle would be destroyed by this 21st Century construction.
It is a ludicrous place to put a solar farm,” he added.
“The site is around half-amile long and on good agricultural land. “ “Plans show a seven-foot security fence and a new plan for a sub-station compound which is 19 times bigger than the original design which will look awful.”
The Village Alive Trust, which maintains heritage buildings is also concerned the scheme would bring planning and tourism blight. Llanarth Fawr and Grosmont Community Councils also oppose the proposal. However, Helen Jenkins, of Perth-y-Pia Farms disagrees.
She claims the scheme is clean, quiet and safe and will create a cleaner environment for future generations.
Monmouthshire council has yet to consider the application.
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