Windfarm would be 'disaster' — farmers
Farmers living next to a proposed windfarm in the Valleys say the plans would be a “disaster” for them if it is given the go-ahead.
Pennant Wind Energy Ventures Ltd wants to build four 328 ft high turbines on a four-hectare site on Mynydd James mountain at Blaentillery between Cwmtillery and Blaina.
An application was originally submitted for 24 turbines in November 2003, but this was scaled down to the four-turbine plan now up for debate. Blaenau Gwent council has deferred making a decision on the proposal for a site meeting.
Derek Jones has farmed land next to the site in Cwmtillery for more than 50 years.
Mr Jones, 73, said: “We have put in a lifetime of work on our farm, if the planning application gets the go-ahead we will be right in the face of the turbines.
“There is nothing that can be said that will change my mind as I simply don’t want it here.”
Mr Jones has a herd of 500 sheep on the mountain where the wind turbines are proposed, and he also breeds pedigree sheepdogs at his Blaentillery Farm House, 600 metres away from the site.
Mr Jones added that he has concerns for the welfare of his animals as well as himself and his wife Ann, 70.
He said: “My sheep would certainly be disturbed and suffer when the machinery is being put in place and we are going to have to work extra hard to make sure they do not stray from their grazing ground.
“The noise will also have a big impact on my sheepdogs.
“If you have a sensitive dog, who some are, the turbines could frighten them and I won’t be able to get them out to herd the sheep.”
Anthony Price, 58, has owned nearby Ty Andrew Farm, Cwmcelyn, for 50 years and is another farmer who is against the proposal.
He said: “I have grazing rights for my sheep on Mynydd James, what will that mean for me.
“I fear that the scheme is unsafe and the area is not suitable for such turbines.”
By Alex Cinus
11 November 2008
A public meeting will take place at 8pm tonight to discuss the proposals at St Peter’s Church in Blaina.
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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