October 30, 2010
Wales

Afan Valley wind farm project moves closer

www.thisissouthwales.co.uk 30 October 2010

An application for 15 wind turbines in the Afan Valley will be submitted to planners next month.

Gamesa Energy UK (GEUK) has confirmed plans for the Llynfi Afan Renewable Energy Park will be submitted mid-November.

The plans – which have sparked widespread opposition – have been revised and amended twice since they were first mooted.

There was originally going to be 14 turbines of 184 metres in height, but this was then changed to 23 turbines of 118 metres in height.

Now GEUK has said it intends to ask for planning permission to build 15 turbines of 118 metres in height.

The structures will be seen from Croeserw Playing Field, Blaengwynfi, Pontycymer cycle route and Nantyffyllon.

However, there will be no turbines in the Glyncorrwg area, as had originally been proposed.

Bob Slater, spokesman for Glyncorrwg Action Group, which opposed the wind farm plans, welcomed the news.

“It is good news for Glyncorrwg,” he said, adding that he thought offshore wind generation was a better way of creating energy.

“The impression I get is that people are backing off from onshore generation,” he said.

Project manager for GEUK, Lee Watt, said he was pleased the company was able to submit a planning application “after considerable consultation and engagement with local residents and key stakeholders”.

He added: “The 30MW project will make a significant contribution to generating clean electricity and tackling accelerated climate change.”

A roadshow will take place in the Afan Valley on Monday which will offer residents the chance to meet members of the GEUK project and view up-to-date information, before planning applications are submitted to Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend Councils.

The event will be at the community centre in Sunny Road, Croeserw from 9am to 1pm and then at Blaengwynfi Centre in Jersey Road from 4pm to 8pm.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/10/30/afan-valley-wind-farm-project-moves-closer/