June 6, 2007
U.K.
U.K.
Objectors fighting Carmarthenshire’s latest wind farm development are considering legal action to halt the plans.
County planners approved planning permission last March to build 10 turbines on land next to Blaengwen Farm, near Alltwalis, Pencader.
Some residents are considering a legal challenge to halt the build.
Irene Prudden, who lives at the foot of the proposed development, said: “If this development is allowed to go through, then it will set a precedent and many other wind farms will be built around here.
“Other developers will look at what’s happened here and follow too.”
Mrs Prudden, a member of the Blaengwen Development Objectors Group, said they had agreed to lodge a judicial review against the planning decision.
The group has to prove there was something wrong with the decision -making process.
She said: “We think there are health issues and the council has not done its job properly.
“We went up to Birmingham to see a solicitor. We couldn’t find one in Carmarthen – they wouldn’t touch it.
“We’re waiting now to hear what our solicitor advises.”
The group has been granted legal aid, which will cover their legal expenses if they win their case – but they will have to pay if they lose.
Mrs Prudden said 16 donors have come forward from the community to pledge money for the fight.
Head of Planning at Carmarthenshire Council, Eifion Bowen, said: “The authority has not received notification of a legal challenge to the decision to grant planning permission for the wind turbine development at Blaengwen.
“It would be premature to comment until the grounds of any challenge have been specified.”
Mrs Prudden urged people to join their campaign and donate money. The group meets at Pencader Pavilion each Thursday at 7.30pm.
By Graeme Wilkinson
6 June 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/06/06/court-bid-to-stop-turbines/