October 22, 2007
Wales
Wales
The impact of wind farms on the environment was outlined when a meeting was called by the community councils of Derwen and Clocaenog in the Canolfan Cae Cymro at Clawddnewydd.
The meeting heard Prof Peter Cobbold use the name, Clwyd power station, to describe to more than 200 local residents what is in store for their countryside between now and 2010.
He also talked about the changes in local scenery, which he believes will come about if the asssembly plans to generate electricity from wind turbines continues.
The audience was shown a map of Clocaenog Forest and the Denbigh Moors, and the places where wind farms are already being planned and where the land was suitable for further applications, were pointed out.
It was also explained how sections of the forest would be felled to make way for the turbines, roads would be built, and concrete foundations dug into the peat.
Richard Welch described the noise, which he has monitored for over a year, of the Tir Mostyn turbines at his house in Nantglyn.
Many speakers from the floor raised their own worries, such as the wildlife of the forested uplands, which include the rare dormouse, red squirrels, black grouse and many other animals that enrich the forests.
A representative of SOS, the group opposing the 250 offshore turbines planned for the shallow waters off Llandudno, spoke of the impact on tourism, the most important industry in Wales.
The meeting was also attended by Ian Weaver, principal planning officer at Denbighshire County Council, who outlined the proposals that are currently before the authority.
Cllr Eryl Williams, who chaired the meeting, wound up by thanking Mr Weaver, Prof Cobbold and the other speakers for providing so much information on this difficult subject in such a rational and intelligent way.
Mike Skuse of the Hiraethog Alliance said: “What with existing wind farms, current applications and schemes in the pipeline, there could be around 200 massive turbines in the area bounded by Llyn Alwen, Cyffylliog and Dinmael.
“The significant thing is that not one word was voiced to support wind energy.
“If they are so great, why did no one turn up to say so? Nobody wants them; everybody knows they won’t close down a single ‘dirty’ power station; and yet they are foisted on us by an uncaring Government that refuses to listen to us.”
19 October 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/10/22/wind-farms-spark-fears-for-wildlife/