A consultation has been launched for a proposed solar farm in Pembrokeshire.

Statkraft, Europe's largest renewable energy generator, has begun the statutory consultation on their detailed proposals for Alleston Solar Farm, positioned between Pembroke and Lamphey.

These plans follow extensive environmental studies and feedback from last year's early engagement.

Significant changes to the proposals have been made in response to this feedback.

These include the removal of solar panels from fields along Lower Lamphey Road and in front of the grade II listed farmhouse.

The plans now include the creation of an orchard to enhance the heritage setting and improvements to biodiversity areas throughout the site.

The proposed solar farm is expected to have a capacity of around 30MW, generating enough energy to power more than 14,000 homes.

The development will connect to the national grid via existing powerlines, meaning no additional cables will be needed outside of the site boundary.

This will help tackle the climate crisis and reduce carbon emissions.

Statkraft said it is committed to working closely with the community to deliver a project that is considered an asset.

As part of the Alleston Solar Farm proposal, a community benefit fund will be established, expected to deliver £480,000 over the project's 40-year lifespan.

Gui Zandomeneghi, Statkraft’s principal solar project manager, said: "We’ve made some important changes to our plans, following feedback from the early engagement last year and the results of the site investigations and surveys.

"I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to speak with us so far.

"Projects like Alleston Solar Farm are essential to overcoming energy security and the climate emergency, facilitating the transition from fossil fuels to low carbon energy and supporting the Welsh Government’s target for electricity to be 100% renewable by 2035.

"I’d encourage local people to come along to one of the events we’re holding and chat with myself and the team."

More information on the proposals can be found on the www.alleston-solar.co.uk website.

Members of the project team will be available to discuss the project at consultation events on Tuesday, October 22, from 1pm to 6pm at Pembroke Town Hall and on Wednesday, October 23, from 12pm to 4.30pm at Lamphey Village Hall.

The deadline for comments is midnight on Tuesday, November 19.

Following the statutory consultation, the proposals will be finalised, and a Development of National Significance (DNS) application will be submitted to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) for examination before being determined by Welsh Government ministers.

Statkraft, a global energy company with more than 6,000 employees in at least 20 countries, is at the heart of the UK’s energy transition.

Since 2006, Statkraft has invested more than £1.4 billion in the UK’s renewable energy infrastructure.