VILLAGERS against a proposal to build one of the largest solar farms in Europe are "relieved" to have won their fight.

A public gallery of 30 people heard Monmouthshire council's planning committee reject the multi-million pound scheme on farmland in Llanvapley, near on the grounds of the scale and landscape at its headquarters on Tuesday.

Camborne Energy Investments Limited wanted to install 45,000 panels on 66 acres of arable fields at Manor Farm on land leased from farmers Robin Foord and Bernard Blackwell.

The scheme would generate enough electricity to power 3,000 homes in the Abergavenny area, saving 5,360 tonnes of Co2 emissions per year and have a lifespan of 25 years.

Concerned it would spoil a beautiful area of countryside and take land away from farmers, residents formed the campaign group, Beautiful Yet Threatened (BYTH).

Les Taylor, who addressed the committee in Welsh using a translator, said: "It is impossible to estimate the financial cost to the community as a result of these massive changes to the landscape and to the area. Everyone will lose out."

Cllr Sara Jones said whilst she supports agricultural diversification, she has grave concerns about effect on tourism. Cllr David Jones felt the appearance of 45,000 solar panels will be a blot on the landscape, whilst Community councillor Robert Walker said it would sit on the best food producing land in Monmouthshire.

Mr Robin Foord argued it would provide clean renewable energy whilst protecting the land.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Taylor said: "We are very pleased and relieved the committee has shown wisdom in this judgement."

"We do feel for the farmers involved as they are very much part of our community."

The committee felt the development would be too large and stand out too much in the area.

The application will be brought back before the council next month with reasons for refusal. If formally refused, Camborne Energy Investments have the option to appeal.