Plans for a solar farm in south Pembrokeshire capable of generating enough renewable energy for around 2,700 homes have been submitted to the county council.

The 8.84mw development at Yerbeston Gate Farm, Yerbeston - on a site west of the A4075 - would sit on nearly 39 acres of land and will be surrounded by wild flowers and grazed by sheep.

The proposals have been put forward by solar farm developers Vogt Solar and Solafields, both UK companies.

It follows a public consultation process in June and July, when leaflets were sent to more than 100 properties in Cresselly, Loveston, Yerbeston and Carne; and made available in the Yerbeston Gate farm shop. Eleven comments were received, with 100% support for the project.

Said Paul Holmes-Ling of Vogt Solar: “Although the level of feedback we received was fairly low, we’re very pleased with the support shown for the solar farm. The site at Yerbeston Gate is well screened by woodland and hedgerows, so will have a minimal visual impact. Also, the solar farm will help the farm to diversify their business and be more sustainable.

“We’ll be planting the land around the solar panels with wild flowers, which will attract insects, birds and bees; and will be grazed by sheep. This way, the land can remain in agricultural use whilst green energy is being generated.”

Hedgerows and trees bordering the site would be enhanced to improve habitats for hedgehogs and birds.

Added Mr Holmes-Ling: “Should the solar farm go ahead, we will work closely with Jeffreyston Community Council and relevant stakeholders to explore the ways in which the proposal could benefit the local community.”

If approved, the solar farm would take around eight to 10 weeks to build. It would be temporary, and would be decommissioned after 30 years.

Details of the plan can be viewed at http://planning.pembrokeshire.gov.uk (application reference 13/0501/PA), where comments can be submitted until the end of today (Wednesday).