January 16, 2008
Wales
Wales
Conwy councillors are continuing their fight against the construction of 250 wind turbines off the coast of Llandudno.
During a highly debated meeting recently, it was voted that npower renewables’ Gwynt Y Mor windfarm would continue to be opposed for fears of spoiling the popular tourist destination.
Councillors are also still pushing for a public inquiry into the massive development, but these recommendations must be discussed at a Cabinet meeting before being passed on to the government.
The meeting was arranged after npower renewables submitted new plans to the Department of Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform that included a 16 per cent smaller site by bringing the turbines closer together.
Despite these amendments to the original proposal, a majority of councillors were still not swayed.
Assembly Member Darren Millar, who is also Shadow Minister for the Environment and Planning in the Assembly, said: “Conwy County Borough Councillors have made the right decision in continuing to oppose this massive wind farm. Such a development would industrialise the North Wales seascape and could have a devastating effect on tourism, much of which is attracted to the area on the basis of our beautiful environment.
“Whilst we must increase the amount of electricity which is generated from renewable sources, this cannot be at any cost.”
He added, “I continue to support alternatives to this scheme such as tidal barrages or lagoons which harness the reliable power of the tide, are less visually intrusive and could result in better flood protection for our coasts.”
Members of the Sustainable Energy Alliance (SEA) were out in force at the meeting with banners to show their support of the Gwynt Y Mor project.
A spokesman for the organisation said: “While the outcome is disappointing, SEA are committed to fighting for the project until consent is finally given.”
By David Waddington
16 January 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/01/16/standing-firm-on-windfarm/