PLANS for a five megawatt solar farm near Johnston are expected to get the go-ahead from Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) on Tuesday, February 23.

The February meeting of PCC’s planning and rights of way committee is recommended to approve an application by 3C Energy Solar Farm Ltd to construct the 39 acre solar farm east of the A4076 trunk road at Pope Hill.

The solar farm would consist of 17,820 280watt panels arranged in arrays on the site.

Construction would see an estimated 185 HGV movements over a three month period.

A report for planners states 3C Energy Solar Farm Ltd posted 830 consultation letters locally and held a public exhibition on the proposal at Johnston Community Primary School in July 2015.

The exhibition attracted 25 people, the majority in support of the proposal, according to the report.

No objections were received from either Johnston or Freystrop community councils, although both have enquired if any community funding is available.

No objection was received from PCC’s Highways department, subject to further details about access.

A report for planners states that no concerns were raised about possible glint or glare from the panels to aircraft using Withybush Airport.

Agent Alison Smith of Pegasus Group has stated other solar farm developments locally at Cuckoo Grove and Tiers Cross would have “no notable cumulative effects” due to the “discrete nature” of the development.

The application is recommended for approval, subject to highway issues and access of the trunk road being agreed by PCC officers under delegated powers.