Council votes to oppose wind farm
Credit: by Robin Turner, Western Mail, www.walesonline.co.uk 22 January 2010
A planning committee yesterday voted to lodge an objection to plans for the biggest wind turbines in Wales.
The planned Npower Renewables 19-turbine wind farm would be visible from the Brecon Beacons National park and the Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Councillors also heard yesterday Npower Renewables accepted the turbines, almost as big as the London Eye, would kill some red kites, kestrels and golden plovers plus bats.
The objection by Swansea council to the development on land to the north of the city will be powerful evidence in a public inquiry on plans for the wind farm at Mynydd y Gwair Common later this year.
Npower Renewables argues, although the plans are unpopular locally, the wind farm is vital for Wales to meet its obligations to cut CO2 emissions.
The Open Spaces Society yesterday welcomed the planning committee’s objection.
Kate Ashbrook, the society’s general secretary, said: “This is an open hillside with spectacular views. It is common land where people have the right to walk and ride unimpeded.
“The turbines, amounting to a wind factory, will desecrate this lovely area.
“It’s like cutting a hole in a Persian carpet – you cannot compensate for that by providing another bit of carpet.”
Tags: Wind power, Wind energy
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