Inspector to rule on wind farm proposal
A planning inquiry into proposals for a wind farm at Hirwaun begins next week.
It will be held at Hirwaun Village Hall on October 14 and will be conducted by an inspector appointed by the Welsh Assembly.
The inquiry will look into the appeal by Pennant Walters Hirwaun Ltd against the failure of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council to determine within the statutory eight-week period an application for planning permission for 12 wind turbines and ancillary infrastructure on the mountainside south of the A465.
In April councillors rejected the wind farm plan following a recommendation from planning officers that it be refused. But, because the council failed to determine the planning application within the required time, developer Pennant Walters has appealed to the Welsh Assembly for a decision.
At the inquiry, arguments for and against the wind farm will be heard.
The local authority will also be able to argue its case for refusal.
If agreed, the turbines would be up to 115 metres high, with an operational life of 25 years.
The company says the turbines would produce 36 megawatts of electricity, sufficient to power about 20,000 homes.
That would make a significant contribution to the Assembly’s intention to generate more electricity through renewable sources, such as wind power, rather than fossil fuels.
But council officers say a wind farm would have a detrimental impact on the Brecon Beacons National Park, the Dare Valley Country Park, public rights of way and the standard of amenity people living near the site can reasonably expect to enjoy.
They say the development would also be out of accord with local planning policies.
By Linda Elias, Cynon Valley Leader
9 October 2008
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