August 13, 2010
Wales

Protest over wind turbine transport plans in Welshpool

BBC News, www.bbc.co.uk 12 August 2010

Residents campaigning against plans to transport wind turbines through their town have staged a protest outside a wind farm planning meeting.

It was held at Powys council’s offices in Welshpool, where councillors are voting on proposals to build 12 turbines near Carno.

Welshpool Town Council has repeatedly raised concerns about transport issues.

The Tirgwynt wind farm is recommended for approval, and agents West Coast Energy said it would comment later.

Last year, a report warned that “significant disruption” could be caused to communities by taking turbines by road.

Lorries towing extended trailers have been carrying out a number of test runs in south, mid and north Wales this year.
Turbine blades

The trials are simulating the sort of impact wind farm traffic could have on roads and communities.

Plans by energy companies to transport turbine blades and towers through nearby Montgomery have recently been rejected, following a campaign by local people.

Welshpool mayor Estelle Bleivas was among the protesters.

Plans are for 12, 80m (260ft) tall turbines, which are recommended for approval by the council, subject to conditions.

West Coast Energy, which is acting as agents for the project, said it would comment after the councillors had made their decision.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/08/13/protest-over-wind-turbine-transport-plans-in-welshpool/