Council poised to launch judicial review over Welsh Government solar farm approval

The plans are for a 268-hectare agricultural site to be used as a solar farm that energy firm Enso Energy says could provide enough power for up to 33,935 homes.

The Welsh Government approved the Alaw Mon Solar Farm as a Development of National Significance (DNS) on 27 August 2025.

This came more than a year on from Energy Firm Enso Energy’s application and in the wake of a 6-week statutory consultation conducted by the firm in November 2023.

Proposing the motion at a full council meeting on 25 September, Independent Cllr Aled M Jones said the development has "caused a great deal of concern in our communities and we as a County Council must seek all possible means to challenge this decision".

The motion called for the local authority to seek a judicial review against the Welsh Government over the decision.

A second motion brought by  alongside an expression of "caused a great deal of concern in our communities and we as a County Council must seek all possible means to challenge this decision".

This motion, brought by leader of the council, Gary Pritchard, said the council should "investigate every possible option, including legal options, to challenge the decision".

His motion added that the council should express "its disappointment and frustration in the Welsh Government’s decision to permit the Alaw Môn solar farm development contrary to its policies on the use of best and most versatile agricultural land".

Councillors voted through an amended motion combining the two motions, with 26 votes in favour, one against and three abstentions.

An extraordinary council meeting is now set to take place on Thursday, where members will discuss pursuing the legal challenge.

Adam Carey