January 10, 2011
Wales

Put people first, not targets

www.thisissouthwales.co.uk 10 January 2011

We are supporting Brian Gibbons AM and Hywel Francis MP in asking for a public inquiry over the proposed Pen y Cymoedd Wind Farm.

The planning application from Swedish firm, Nuon will be discussed by Neath Port Talbot Council planning committee on January 11.

If it objects, a public inquiry will be called.

The proposed development would be detrimental to the amenities of the area because of its overwhelming visual impact.

We do not feel that the proposed development fits the aims and plans of the council for the Upper Afan Valley.

Our landscape should be protected. We support our MP Hywel Francis’s bid to have this area designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Upper Afan Valley has already got a 16-turbine wind farm at Ffynnon Oer which has not produced the amount of energy which was promised.

Wind turbines are unreliable producers of energy, the capacity fluctuates as the wind varies. For many days the turbines are stationary. This proposal will have a devastating effect on our community for a relatively small return of energy.

We worry that this development will severely affect our lives and cause health problems. Our GP has written objecting to the wind farm on health grounds.

Wind turbines can be noisy and in our valley any noise echoes and carries for long distances.

The turbines could cause accidents to people, animals and birds, as blades have been known to break off. They can also catch on fire and in adverse weather conditions there could be cases of ice throw. The dangers are very clear.

The Upper Afan Valley is working hard with success to promote tourism as our hope of regenerating the area. This industrial development will undermine this.

Nuon has no connection with our area but will use it for profit.

We deserve protection from such exploitation.

We urge the Neath Port Talbot councillors: Please put people before targets. Support Glyncorrwg and reject this devastating proposal.

Bob Slater

Spokesman

Glyncorrwg Action Group

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/01/10/put-people-first-not-targets/