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Search the Public Notice PortalCLWYD MS Darren Millar has criticised plans for a major solar and energy storage scheme covering more than 180 hectares of farmland around Bodelwyddan, warning that the project would result in the loss of “prime agricultural land” at a time when food security is increasingly important.
The proposals, submitted by Stantec UK Limited on behalf of London‑based Bodelwyddan Solar and Energy Storage Ltd, seek permission to construct and operate a large‑scale solar photovoltaic and battery storage development on land north and south of the village.
The scheme also includes a cable corridor linking the site to Bodelwyddan Substation.
Farmland
Mr Millar said he supports renewable energy but believes farmland should not be used for industrial‑scale solar generation.
He said: “This industrial scale development will result in the loss of 180 hectares of prime agricultural land. It's totally unacceptable at a time when global uncertainty means that food security is more important now than ever.
“You could fit two traditional nuclear power stations into a 180‑hectare footprint site and each could produce nine times the energy output of this project.
“I'm all for solar power but let's install panels on roof spaces, on top of warehouses and above car parks, not on an industrial scale on our farmland.”
Project details and planning context
Application
According to the planning application, the proposed development covers approximately 184 hectares of predominantly agricultural land, with around 70% of the site lying within Conwy County Borough and 30% within Denbighshire.
The scheme forms part of efforts to meet Welsh Government renewable energy targets set out in Future Wales: The National Plan 2040, which requires Wales to generate 70% of its consumed electricity from renewable sources by 2030, rising to 100% by 2035.
A planning statement submitted with the application says the project would deliver an export capacity of up to 110MW — equivalent to the annual domestic electricity needs of around 26,657 homes. It also claims the development would save approximately 35,569 tonnes of CO₂ each year, amounting to more than 1.4 million tonnes over its 40‑year operational life, with a projected carbon cost saving of £56.2 million by 2050.
Plans
Plans include solar arrays, inverters, transformers, substations, access routes, internal tracks, fencing, CCTV, landscaping and biodiversity measures. The project would be constructed, operated and eventually decommissioned under the proposals.
Both Conwy and Denbighshire councils are being consulted, but because the scheme is classed as a Development of National Significance, the final decision will be made by Welsh ministers.
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