A FARMER has been given the green light for 20 solar panels on a small part of a field near his home.

The panels, which will be in two 12 metre long rows of 10 and 1.3m high and spaced one metre apart, will be used to provide supplementary power to Stephen Castling’s Rock Farm home up an isolated track at Llandenny in Monmouthshire.

Monmouthshire County Council said planning policy intends for renewable energy schemes to be permitted when there is no unacceptable adverse impacts on the landscape, townscape and historic features, biodiversity and amenities of nearby residents and when the wider economic, social and community benefits outweigh potential adverse impacts and the “distinct identity of Monmouthshire” isn’t compromised.

Using agricultural land for renewable energy has been a hot topic in Monmouthshire recently. Conservative opposition leader, Cllr Richard John, has publicly stated that covering car parks and other non-farming areas could be a better solution to finding the best place for them. Meanwhile, Reform UK’s Laura Anne Jones MS has also criticised larger developments of solar farms in the Sir Fynwy Torfaen constituency.

Meanwhile, planning officer Helen Etherington, whose report approved the application, said the use of best and most versatile agricultural land also had to be considered, with Welsh planning policy has a presumption in favour of protecting such land including from development of solar arrays.

But Ms Etherington said while the land does meet the best value criteria the panels could be allowed as they will only take up a small space of around 40 square metres. She stated: “The rest of the field will remain agricultural land therefore the installation of the array within the field is acceptable.”

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

A condition will require the panels are removed from site if they are no longer needed or operational.