October 2, 2006
U.K.

Campaigners rejoice as turbine plans thrown out

A fight to stop proposals for a controversial Swansea Valley wind farm has been won.

Plans for a £6.5 million four-turbine wind farm on Mynydd y Gwrhyd, near Pontardawe, were put forward last year but refused by planners.

Awel Aman Tawe, the company behind the proposals, challenged the decision and took its fight to the Assembly.

But the appeal has now been dismissed by a planning inspector.

The news will be welcomed by opponents of the scheme.

Awel Aman Tawe wanted to generate enough electricity to meet the needs of almost 7,000 homes and claimed the project would provide more than £4 million for community initiatives.

The proposals divided the local community.

A referendum on behalf of Awel Aman Tawe by the Electoral Reform Society found nearly 60 per cent of residents in the area were in favour.

But the application also attracted 1,774 letters of objection, compared with 1,148 letters and emails of support.

A spokesman for the Rhiwfawr Action Group and Tairgwaith Action Group welcomed the planning inspector’s decision.

He said: “We would like to say a great big thank-you to everyone who helped and supported us in our fight to save Mynyd y Gwrhyd from AAT’s wind farm development.

“Future generations will be able to enjoy the fantastic landscape with the vast panoramic views just as we are able to do now, without any turbines to dominate and destroy our views.”

thisissouthwales.co.uk


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2006/10/02/campaigners-rejoice-as-turbine-plans-thrown-out/