LOCAL residents have been urged to make their voices heard about a proposed 64-hectare solar farm on three areas of farmland to the south of Tiers Cross.

The application for a 30.9MW photovoltaic (PV) solar farm on land at Rose Cottage Farm, Woodson Farm, andTierson Farm, was submitted by Good Energy Generations.

The development seeks to increase the supply of renewable power through the use of solar PV panels, providing the power needs of about 7,243 average Pembrokeshire households and saving about 13,287 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.

The proposed development comprises a series of 2.65mhigh rows of solar arrays, supported at intervals by posts driven directly into the ground.

But the application states that the surface of the ground will be retained as grassland for grazing and the planting within hedgerows will be strengthened to improve their biodiversity and "should significantly screen them[arrays] from public views along the adjacent minor roads and the public footpaths within some of the adjacent fields".

Local resident Lyn Hughes, from Lower Thornton, said: "It is vital that everyone takes the time to comment on this application because the proposed site covers such a large area, so it will affect a lot of people."

To comment on the application, search for application 13/0214/PA at www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk.