CAMPAIGNERS opposing a proposed solar farm on the outskirts of Llanvapley, near Abergavenny could see their hopes dashed –if planners back a smaller-scale scheme.

The original application by Camborne Energy Investments Limited for 45,000 panels on 66-acres of fields at Manor Farm sparked controversy among locals who feared it would spoil a beautiful area of countryside and take land away from farmers.

Residents formed the campaign group, Beautiful Yet threatened and voiced their opposition to the planning committee which, was refused permission in July because it felt the development would stand out too much in the local area.

The committee is expected to ratify its decision to refuse the application at a meeting at County Hall, near Usk on Tuesday. However amended plans for a smaller scheme will be put before the committee, which if supported, would mean the scheme can go ahead.

The amended plan is proposing to replace 45,000 panels with 38,000 panels. This would be done by removing the panels, fencing and CCTV cameras from one field in the southeast part of the site.

The firm says that removing 7,000 panels equates to 15.5 per cent of the total number of panels.

An additional 125 trees would be planted on the northern part of the site and an additional 58 along site boundaries and within existing hedges as well as 172 metres of new hedgerow.

A weld-mesh security fencing would be replaced with a 2.1metre-high deer fence, supported on wooden posts.

Reducing the number of panels equates to a reduction of approximately 18 vehicle deliveries throughout the construction period.

The firm has said that it will create 25 temporary jobs which will be posted in the local job centre and that the scheme would provide 2,788 homes with their total electricity needs.

The council’s planning officers have said the proposal is generally supported by national and local planning policy to combat climate change and to tackle concerns about energy security and recommend the amended scheme be approved.