MATHERN could receive £20,000 for community projects if a solar farm is built in the area.

Developers, Fraone Ltd, met with residents at Mathern Village Hall earlier this month to provide an update on plans to build a 20,000 solar panel farm on land west of Willis Hill, Mathern.

The company has revealed a reduction in the number of panels in order to reduce visibility from public footpaths and areas of natural beauty. An additional hedge will also be planted on the northern boundary of the site to help resolve visibility issues.

Fraone Ltd announced at the meeting on Monday 8th June that they would like to donate £20,000 to the community and are inviting suggestions of how the money can be used.

Adam Withers from Fraone Ltd, said: "We would like to donate £20,000 to the community and we would like the parish council to collect ideas from people on how the money can be used.

"A few examples from previous projects include solar installations for a community building, improved footpath surfaces, improved road safety infrastructure for the local primary school and increased screening around the solar farm itself.

"We believe that £20,000 can offer a significant benefit to the local community while also producing valuable, clean renewable energy which Monmouthshire desperately needs.

If the solar farm is approved the site will produce enough electricity to power 2,000 homes.

An application will be submitted to Monmoutshire County Council (MCC) next month.