Debate over whether 250,000 solar panel project in Gwent should go ahead

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There are an increasing number of objections being made over the planned construction of a massive solar farm situated on the Gwent Levels. Despite the benefit of the site being able to provide green energy for around 40,000 homes, many local residents are concerned by the fact that the renewable energy hub would cover close to 155-hectares, located between the villages of St Brides and Peterstone. 

The plans for the site feature around 250,000 solar panels, with 160 battery storage units and a grid connection hub in place for an initial period of 40 years. In addition to the expectation of saving up to 54,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, those behind the development say it will “enable a group of local landowners to diversify their agricultural enterprise and help secure their livelihood during uncertain times for farming communities”.


Nature conservation charity, the RSPB, is among those to have objected to the plan to build entirely on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The RSPB says the development would take up 12% of the total area of the St Brides SSSI, with their statement saying; “Any development that has an adverse impact on the reens and ditches will have an adverse impact on the wildlife for which it was notified. While we acknowledge that efforts have been made by the applicant to protect the SSSI interest features, inevitably there will remain a residual risk of impact from a development of this scale, potentially compromising the future functioning of the sites.”

Councillor Brian Miles, chairman of Wentlooge Community Council, shared his objections; “I’ve raised questions along the lines of why they have not done the same as in Cardiff and used redundant land. There are real concerns about the size of it being nearly 160-hectares and 250,000 solar panels. The area is bigger than all three of the villages of Marshfield, Peterstone and St Brides combined.”


The deadline for complaints was August 31st, so it remains to be seen how effective any attempts to stop this project, or reduce its scope, will prove to be. Obviously there have to be compromises made in moving towards a greener future without sacrificing too much of the green land we all want to enjoy, so it will make for an interesting test case with regards to future renewable energy projects.

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