Monmouthshire County Council needs to invest in more solar carports above its car parks but have a presumption against solar panels on productive farmland or sensitive landscapes such as the Gwent Levels, according to Conservative Group Leader Richard John.

The Leader of the Opposition on the authority has called for a more environmentally responsible approach to solar energy, that prioritises rooftops and car parks rather than agricultural land.

The previous Conservative administration commissioned solar carports for a council-owned car park in Magor and installed panels on the roof of council owned buildings, including schools, leisure centres and the council’s County Hall in Usk.

Solar canopies can be installed on surface car parks to generate electricity and provide shade for vehicles and over an 8-12 year period are self-funding and can return a small profit, which could be reinvested in frontline services.

The Conservative group on the council is supporting residents fighting proposals for industrial-scale solar schemes on prime agricultural land between Llangybi and Ponthir and on the Gwent Levels near Magor.

Cllr Richard John said, “The proposals for industrial solar parks on the Gwent Levels and farmland near Llangybi would cause irreparable damage to our countryside and should be stopped.

“The Council needs to send a clear message that we support renewable energy but it must be sensitive to our natural environment, with solar panels on roofs and car parks not our countryside.

“Monmouthshire has countless rooftops on industrial estates, supermarkets, schools and car parks that could host solar canopies, generating clean energy without sacrificing food‑producing land or biodiversity.

“The model at Magor should be replicated across the county with self-funding solar carports that can reduce electricity bills and generate a surplus that we can reinvest in frontline services.

“We should be rolling out many more of these - starting with every major council‑owned car park.”