CONCERNS have been raised for a proposed solar farm in Rhiwderin which would be the size equivalent of 30 football fields.

Developers Sirius SBC Renewables LLP, visited Graig Community Council last month to present them with a pre-application design statement of the site called Pantglas Solar Farm which is 950m to the north-west of Rhiwderin and 1.5km west of Rogerstone.

The site measures 16 hectares although it is anticipated the solar farm will only utilise 11hectares. There are a number of neighbouring farms close to the proposed site which includes Pant-glas farm which is to the south west, Five Lanes Farm is to the west and Sunnybank Farm is to the south.

The proposed solar farm would have an installed capacity of 5 MWp.

Cllr Paul Gregory, chairman of Graig Community Council, said: "We have concerns due to the sheer size of it. Mr and Mrs Adam who own the farm neighbouring the site would be totally enclosed by it. Six families would be surrounded by it.

"The developers said it would equate to 30 football fields which is quite a substantial size. Not only that its agriculture land, green land which would become a bit of an eyesore."

The proposed access route is off Pentre Tai Road and the site if it is approved would last for 25 years.

Cllr Margaret Cornelious, county councillor for Graig ward, said: "One farm in particular which we visited last week would be affected - you would be able to see it from every window. It would be awful for them.

"The application hasn't come in yet so it is rather difficult to comment but we are preparing ourselves for when or if it comes. There are quite a few local walks around that area which many ramblers used. It wouldn't be as rural as it was."

Developers said they undertook a review of a number of sites across South Wales to assess the potential for the development of solar PV energy projects. They said based on the initial selection process the proposed site in Rhiwderin was identified as having significant potential to accommodate a solar PV development.

The application has yet to be submitted to Newport City Council's planning department.