PLANS to build two multimillion pound solar farms in Newport are recommended for approval despite local opposition.

Eighty six residents living near Hazel Farm, Langstone, have signed a petition against Silicon Vineyard Limited’s plans to build 10,560 solar photovoltaic energy panels on 5.6 hectares of farmland.

A further 59 people submitted written objections to the council citing concerns the project, which could generate enough energy to power more than 500 Newport homes, would have a negative visual impact and would increase traffic.

Neighbours of the site are worried generators will be noisy, security cameras would invade their privacy and light would be reflected from the panels into nearby homes.

They also claim the development would be detrimental to wildlife and would harm historical and archaeological importance of the area.

But city planners recommended approval after finding there would be no significant impact on highways and the site would cause only a minor visual impact.

If granted at a meeting tomorrow the solar panels, which would be hidden by hedges, could be built at a height of 1.65 metres high by 0.99 metres wide, and would be fixed on to steel frames measuring 10 metres wide and 3.3 metres high.

A second proposal submitted by Bristol-based Aspire Planning Consultancy for 9,040 solar energy panels on a 4.5 hectare site at Clearwell Farm, Michaelstone-y-Fedw could also get the green light.

The local community council were worried the proposed solar farm, which could provide energy for up to 700 homes a year, would spoil the surroundings but planners said it would not have an adverse effect.

The Assembly Government identified Newport as a potential pilot area because of local industry’s interest in having ‘green’ skills.

Newport council's planning committee will visit both sites on Friday before making their decision at a meeting later the same day.