February 22, 2011
Wales

Details of new wind farm bid are submitted

By Paul Lewis, www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/ 22 February 2011

Another wind farm is on the horizon for Afan Valley residents.

This one involves 15 turbines near Abergwynfi.

Plans have been submitted after years of preparation by Gamesa Energy UK (GEUK), which has pledged to continue consulting while it waits to find out if the application has succeeded.

The scheme, called the Llynfi Afan Renewable Energy Park, originally sparked widespread opposition, but has been revised and amended.

Originally the idea was to have 14 turbines of 184 metres in height, then 23 turbines of 118 metres in height. Now GEUK wants to develop 15 turbines of 118 metres in height.

These will be seen from Croeserw Playing Fields and from Blaengwynfi, as well as locations in neighbouring valleys in Bridgend and Rhondda Cynon Taf.

A GEUK spokesman said: “The application is the end product of years of investigations and research.

“We have had numerous consultations over the years and we have submitted what we believe is a good application appropriate for that area.

“We are continuing the consultation with local groups and individuals while we go through the planning determination period,” he added.

Last month Neath Port Talbot Council approved a much larger wind farm of 85 turbines straddling the Afan and Neath valleys.

This was despite a campaign by residents and local politicians, while some opponents are considering legal action to try to get the decision reversed.

GEUK’s proposals are for a 30MW (megawatt) wind farm, which it says complies with guidelines on noise and with landscape policies.

Neither would there be any effect on public rights of way or the area’s ecology.

In its submission to Neath Port Talbot Council, the company argues that the proposals conform with the “relevant planning policy at all levels”.

“In terms of material considerations, there is an imperative for the increased provision of renewable energy sources, particularly wind farms, in order to meet specific targets,” it adds.

The application is expected to be brought before planning committee members for their consideration during the next few months.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/02/22/details-of-new-wind-farm-bid-are-submitted/