MONMOUTHSHIRE'S car parks could be transformed into solar farms under 'radical' new plans being discussed by the local authority.

A major report into the future of the county's car parks is currently being prepared with 'no options' ruled out in an effort to make them financially viable.

Speaking to the Chronicle, Councillor Phil Hobson, deputy leader of Monmouthshire County Council and the member responsible for community development, parks and open spaces and community development, said that financial pressure on the authority meant that all aspects of its running would have to come under the microscope in the coming years and that he was keen to explore ways in which the community could benefit from these changes.

"We have officers looking at the future of the county's car parks and we haven't ruled out any suggestions in an effort to make them sustainable and viable," he said.

"One of the suggestions, which I think is certainly one we should be looking at, is the idea of placing solar arrays over the car parks.

"This would not only provide clean, green energy but would also provide an element of shade and protection for cars and bikes parked in the area,"?he said.

"We have been talking to Abergavenny Business Club and they have suggested that we should consider their 'free after three' idea, which I think it really good," said Councillor Hobson.

"Something as radical as this would possibly allow us to fund this and ensure that the car parks are maintained for the benefit of local residents,"

"We could possibly also look at the idea of making the first hour of the day free in Abergavenny's car parks - something which has been suggested by the Abergavenny Chronicle," he said.

Councillor Hobson (pictured) said that the controversial scheme arose partly from his growing concern at the number of planning applications for solar farms on agricultural land, which he fears could be to the long term detriment of the county.

"I know that the applications are normally for lower grade agricultural land but as far as I'm concerned if you can grow grass on it, it's pasture land and can be used for something,"?he said.

"In the county's car parks we have large swathes of Tarmac which are not suitable for any other use and which could be put to this dual purpose to great effect."

Councillor Sheila Woodhouse, mayor of Abergavenny, said that while the idea was new to her, she felt that if it would subsidise the car park proposals put forward by ABC it could be a good thing for the town.

"I've heard of a grant where Monmouthshire pay you to install solar panels, and you get the lighting during the day, and they take the rest so I suppose could be something like that, but we will just have to see.

"The proposal hasn't come through to Town Council yet. I haven't heard anything of it so unfortunately I can't comment further," added Councillor Woodhouse.

Abergavenny Business Club said it would wait to hear more about the suggestion before making any comment.