October 4, 2006
U.K.
U.K.
A leading campaigner against a planned wind- farm in the Swansea Valley has welcomed the Assembly’s decision to throw it out.
Neath AM Gwenda Thomas had strongly opposed moves by community group Awel Aman Tawe to develop it on Mynydd y Gwrhyd.
She said she was pleased the Assembly had listened to residents.
The original application for the £6.5 million four-turbine wind farm was refused by Neath Port Talbot council last year.
Awel Aman Tawe appealed to the Assembly and a hearing before an Assembly inspector took place in the summer.
Now that appeal has been dismissed, a decision already hailed by Rhiwfawr Action Group and Tai’rgwaith Action Group.
Mrs Thomas said she had been concerned the wind farm would have had an overbearing visual impact on the two communities.
She was also against it as the development was outside the Assembly’s Tan8 planning guidelines for new wind farms.
“I am very pleased the views of the local community have been taken into consideration and that the application, as a result of local opposition, has been rejected on appeal,” said Mrs Thomas.
“I fully recognise the challenges posed by climate change, and renewable energy sources are vital in our aim to reduce carbon emissions and meet our obligations under the Kyoto protocol.
“However, we must listen to, and take into consideration, the views and opinions of local people who will be affected the most by these developments.”
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2006/10/04/ams-joy-at-windfarm-rejection/