WITH regard to the plans of building a large-scale solar farm on the Gwent Levels in east Newport. A project which would cover an area the size of Caerleon. Then clearly, this would have a considerable visual impact on the landscape. 

More importantly, the size and density of the solar panel coverage would almost completely prevent photosynthesis taking place on the underlying vegetation. 

Large-scale solar farms require a substantial amount of financial investment - with an objective of recovering investment costs: receiving an income and profit from the investment. 

Alternatively, if our UK government and individual households and businesses were to invest our/their money into UK-wide solar-panel schemes for residential, public, commercial infrastructure, then “Mr and Mrs Joe Public” could reap the benefit of their own investment - in terms of significantly lower electricity bills; or in many cases earn an income from selling any excess electricity. 

Solar panels on residential, public and commercial buildings would not compromise the land; grass, trees, plants would still be able to grow in gardens, parks and fields.

Brian Hayes
Bassaleg
Newport