Plans for a solar farm in Pembrokeshire, intended to provide renewable energy to thousands of homes, have faced delays once again. The solar farm project by Wessex Solar Energy (WSE Pembrokeshire Ltd) was up for consideration at the Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee meeting on March 18. Members were advised to approve the 9.99MW solar farm at Lower Nash Farm near Pembroke Dock, which would cover approximately 14 hectares and house around 25,000 PV panels. The project, situated about 120m from the national park, was initially deferred in February for a site visit following concerns about the use of valuable agricultural land.
The development site partially encroaches on best and most versatile (BMV) agricultural land, prompting objections from various parties. According to Planning Policy Wales (PPW), BMV land should only be developed if there is an overriding need for the project and other options like brownfield sites are unavailable. The Welsh Government’s Soil Policy & Agricultural Land Use Planning Unit has raised concerns over the reversion of BMV land to agriculture, stating it is seldom practical. Local objections from the community council and other parties have revolved around the use of prime agricultural land for the solar farm.
During discussions in February, committee members highlighted the importance of protecting farmland for agriculture, emphasizing its fundamental role in ensuring food security. The agent for the scheme defended the project by pointing out the stable income it could provide to the landowner, in contrast to the fluctuating crop values. However, concerns were raised about the irreversible loss of prime agricultural land and whether the benefits of renewable energy outweighed this loss. Ultimately, a decision on the project was postponed due to issues with the publicising of an environmental statement, with reevaluation expected at the next meeting in April.
The proposal for the solar farm has sparked debate over the balance between renewable energy generation and the preservation of agricultural land. Local councillor Tessa Hodgson advocated for a careful consideration of alternative sites to protect prime agricultural land. The project’s potential to power thousands of homes with clean energy has been weighed against the long-term implications of using BMV land for non-agricultural purposes. The ongoing delays in the approval process indicate the complexities involved in balancing environmental benefits and agricultural sustainability.
As the discussion continues, stakeholders are grappling with the trade-offs between renewable energy development and agricultural conservation. The scrutiny surrounding the solar farm project reflects broader debates on land use planning and environmental sustainability in Wales. With the April meeting pending, the decision on the Pembrokeshire solar farm will hinge on finding a compromise that addresses energy needs while safeguarding valuable agricultural resources. The outcomes of this deliberation will shape not just local energy infrastructure but also set a precedent for responsible land use practices in the region.