March 29, 2007
U.K.

Council gives wind farm go-ahead

Ten wind turbines standing 110m (361ft) tall will be built on farmland near Brechfa Forest in Carmarthenshire.

Council planners voted 12 to seven in favour of the controversial scheme, despite a similar application being refused two years ago.

The turbines have been branded an “eyesore” by some locals, while others believe they could bring extra income.

The turbines will be built by Catamount Cymru CYF on agricultural land near Pencader.

Carmarthenshire Council’s planning committee visited the site on Tuesday morning before a debate at Carmarthen’s County Hall.

Objectors were opposed to the visual impact of the scheme, noise pollution and their proximity to residential dwellings.

Farmer Terrance Neil said: “My biggest problem is the fact it’s going to be an eyesore on the top of the hills above our farm and no one has been able to tell us what the environmental impact will be.

“The disturbance that’s going to be caused in this little area is more than is necessary for what is going to be the end result.”

He added: “I’m fearful it’s the beginning.

“They are talking about 10 at the moment but I’ve heard there will be more applications. The whole skyline is going to be ruined.”

Some of the land that forms the site belongs to Jeanne Gwynne, originally from Denmark.

She said: “As a farmer it will supplement the dwindling farm income. I would be quite happy to welcome then on other people’s land as well.

“In Denmark there are turbines everywhere and no-one protests. They are just a way of life and I would do anything to avoid nuclear power.”

bbc.co.uk

27 March 2007


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/03/29/council-gives-wind-farm-go-ahead/