A MOOTED community solar power project would be built on a landfill site if it is given planning permission.

The project, which will see the installation of up to 1.5MW of photovoltaic panels, is planned for the 37 acre closed landfill site at Stretton Sugwas.

It will be the first community-owned PV installation in the UK on a closed landfill site and will be discussed at Stretton Sugwas village hall on February 17.

New Leaf director Dave Prescott said: "A former landfill site isn't somewhere most people would associate with a community project.

"But if you look at places like the Eden Project, or the Centre for Alternative Technology, they are all based on marginal land. These edgy spaces are full of potential."

The project is being developed with the support of Shrewsbury-based Sharenergy, which helps to establish community renewable energy co-operatives.

It is still in the development phase and subject to planning permission and lease negotiations with Herefordshire Council.

Pending the necessary approvals, the project will be funded by a community share offer and operated through a community co-operative managed by New Leaf, an energy saving Herefordshire charity.

There will be a public meeting at Stretton Sugwas village hall on February 17, where the findings of the WRAP-funded feasibility study will be discussed.

A drop-in session will be available between 2 and 5pm and a presentation about the proposal will take place at 6.30pm.

New Leaf expects to launch the first share offer soon after the meeting, to raise the funds for the planning process.