AN APPLICATION to reduce the heights of hedges shielding a controversial solar farm site from sight has been deferred by councillors.

When Monmouthshire County Council allowed the Manor Farm development to go ahead, they said it was on condition that a three-metre high hedge shield the panels from wider view.

But since the Llanvapley solar farm started operating in 2016, vehicles leaving the site have experienced difficulty seeing other road users.

Philip Thomas, the council’s development service manager, said at a council’s planning committee meeting, “Since the park became operational, and the hedges allowed to grow, vehicles exiting have found that they are unable to gain adequate visibility to safely exit the access from the farm.”

Robin Ford, the applicant, has requested the hedgerow be reduced to two metres in height.

“Turning out of Manor Farm entrance, particularly to the south, with a tractor and trailer, has become dangerous because of zero visibility over the hedges,” Mr Ford said.

“Myself, or contractors, may only do this perhaps once or twice a week through the year but this is a risk I would rather reduce by asking you to grant this variation.”

But a resident near to the solar farm, Les Taylor (pictured), has objected to the plans the meeting heard.

He said, “There is no safety issue at the junction to Manor Farm as the splay is very wide indeed.”

Councillor Sara Jones, the ward member for Llanover, also voiced concern at the proposal.

“Whilst I am sympathetic to Mr Ford’s concerns, I think if there really is an issue here for highways safety, we need to look at options between the landowner and the solar farm tenants rather than amending a condition which is absolutely fundamental to allowing it be agreed in the very first place,” she said.

Councillor Mat Feakins, the Drybridge ward member, suggested an alternative.

“I think that we could either relocate the existing hedgerow to be near to the solar park fence line or plant a new hedge in the interior which would give the shielding for the neighbourhood,” he said.

“But it would also allow the reduction in height of the hedge alongside the roadway.

Councillor Ruth Edwards, the chairman of the planning committee, said, “We will negotiate with the applicant and bring it back at the next meeting.”