March 2, 2007
U.K.

AM adds voice to wind farm debate

A veteran politician is kicking up a storm over the number of wind farms planned for Neath and Port Talbot.

Under controversial Assembly planning guidelines, the county is set to become home to more than a third of all wind farm developments in Wales.

But this is being challenged by councillors and politicians, including Neath AM Gwenda Thomas, who has pledged to fight the proposed development.

She attended a public meeting over plans to put up turbines at March Hywel, between Cilfrew and Rhos.

Mrs Thomas has now vowed to continue representing the views of local people on that particular plan – which were overwhelmingly in opposition.

“I fully recognise climate change is a serious issue, and I am pleased the Assembly is taking steps to increase sources of renewable energy,” she said.

“With regard to wind farms, I believe the concept of strategic areas is wrong and the policy of dispersal, which was previously followed by both the UK and Assembly governments, should continue.

“I believe a wind farm-dominated landscape could damage the local economy, have a detrimental effect on tourism, and hinder investment within my constituency and within the Neath Port Talbot area.”

thisissouthwales.co.uk

2 March 2007


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/03/02/am-adds-voice-to-wind-farm-debate/