Green light for solar farm plans

Plans for a new solar farm on a former landfill site in Newport, which could power up to 800 homes, have been recommended for approval.The applicant is seeking permission for an array of solar panels on a council-owned 15-acre site next to the Docks Way Landfill.The proposal also includes a number of inverter cabinets, a power transformer station, a battery facility as well as customer and private wire substations, in order to convert the generated electricity from DC to AC and to allow connection to the electricity distribution network.Ahead of a council meeting later this week, the proposed development has been recommended for approval, subject to conditions.According to a report to be scrutinised by councillors, the proposal would contribute towards meeting the national renewable energy target and has potential to generate secondary benefits to air quality and the wider environment.