Blaengwen windfarm refused

Carmarthenshire County Council’s departures committee went against the planning officers’ recommendation for approval and voted 4:3 against the bid for the Blaengwen wind farm.

The turbines would have had a height of 110metres and a rotor diameter of 90 metres.

The cited reasons for rejecting the controversial plan were that the need for such a wind farm did not outweigh the visual impact it would have on the valley, that the application was premature and went against county council planning policy.

The planning committee was minded to approve the application back in August.

Members of the public for and against the application packed into the gallery.

Opposers addressed the committee to voice concerns to which the applicant’s agent responded.

Main objections raised were the size of the turbines and the perceived detrimental impact the farm would have on the area in terms of visual intrusion, wildlife, tourism and noise.

Head of planning Eifion Bowen said: The departures committee went against the planning committee’s recommendation for approval of the Blaengwen wind farm application.

“Members placed more emphasis on the adverse visual impact the wind farm would have on the area, rather than the contribution to the national renewable energy target. They believed the application to be premature and that it would go against council planning policy.

“The developer has the option to appeal to the Welsh Assembly who may decide to conduct an inquiry into the proposal and the county council’s decision to refuse.”

Targets are in place from the Welsh Assembly that state by 2010 Wales must be producing 10 per cent of electricity from renewable sources.

The Blaengwen site has been identified through a research document Tan8 as an appropriate place for a wind farm.

 The site would form part of a Strategic Search Area – land that has been identified by the Assembly as an appropriate area for major wind farm development.

PRESS NOTE: For further information contact Katy Williams, communications officer, on 01267 224913.