MORE information is still wanted on how large lorries would access a proposed solar farm site during its construction.
Elgin Energy is seeking planning permission for a solar farm, and energy storage facility with 10 battery units, over a 45 hectare site at Pentre Bach, off Pentre Lane in Llantarnam.
The 20 mega watt operation could power 5,500 homes and due to its output is considered a development of national significance which will be decided by an inspector from government body Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW). It could be in place for 40 years.
Torfaen Borough Council’s planning department has compiled a local impact report considering various matters, from access to the impact on local residents, which it will present to the inspector considering the application.
When members of the council’s planning committee were asked to consider the issues, at their April meeting, they flagged up the impact on wildlife and how traffic will be managed as concerns.
The final report, which had to be submitted by May 15, was presented to the council’s May 19 planning committee for noting and it stated it still considered too little information on how the site will be accessed through narrow lanes has been provided.
The report stated: “The applicant has not provided sufficient detail for the council’s highways section or local planning authority to fully assess the application in terms of highway safety.”
Reform UK councillor for Llantarnam said he was still concerned over the junction of Pentre Lane and Newport Road.
He said: “I’ve great concerns about by the Blackbirds pub, there is a building and an embankment. If they use traffic lights I’m concerned traffic would be backing up on Newport Road.”
