August 9, 2011
Wales

Controversial Denbighshire wind farm gets the go-ahead

by Kelly Barker, DPW East, www.dailypost.co.uk 9 August 2011

A long and drawn out battle over plans to build a windfarm with 10 turbines has ended with the scheme getting the go-ahead.

The controversial Derwydd Bach development at Melin Y Wig, near Corwen, will see the 120 metre high turbines dotted on farmland at the southern end of the Clocaenog forest.

Yesterday, Denbighshire council said Tegni Cymru Cig can now proceed with the work, despite fierce opposition from residents and community groups who fear it will be a “blot on the landscape”.

But Tegni say Derwydd Bach will contribute about 17% of the Welsh Government’s renewable energy target of 140MW for the area and meet the annual electricity for over 14,000 homes.

Back in 2009, the planning committee backed the plans which incorporate generators, an electrical control room and compound area on the site. But pre-development planning conditions caused major delays.

A separate legal agreement also had to be reached to protect habitat which includes the provision of bat boxes and protection of red squirrels.

Clwyd West AM Darren Millar blasted the decision and said: “I’m bitterly disappointed. Yesterday’s decision is a direct consequence of the Welsh Labour Government’s flawed renewable energy planning policies, which are in need of urgent reform.

“There is a great deal of concern among my constituents regarding the impact of this development in the area and I believe windfarms should only be developed where they enjoy the support of the local community.”

He added: “I will continue to campaign for local residents to be given a greater say in the renewable energy planning process by ministers in Cardiff Bay.”

The news comes after NWE npower renewables last week launched a consultation process into their plans to build 32 turbines in the forest.

A Denbighshire council spokeswoman said: “The granting of permission involved the completion of a separate legal agreement to secure habitat management, and this has recently been concluded. So the relevant planning consents are in place to allow the development to proceed.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/08/09/controversial-denbighshire-wind-farm-gets-the-go-ahead/