February 13, 2012
Wales

Wind turbines impact to be examined by Pembrokeshire planners

Western Telegraph, www.westerntelegraph.co.uk 12 February 2012

The controversy over the impact of large wind turbines on the Pembrokeshire landscape is being recognised by county planners.

Four planning applications for turbines are currently in the pipeline for the south-east part of the county alone.

One proposal by Princes Gate Spring Water for two 86.5 metre turbines – which would be the highest in the county – is due to be considered by the planning committee. The authority has since received three more applications for the Ludchurch and Martletwy area, which normally would have been delegated to officers to decide.

But these have now been removed from the scheme of delegation, council spokesman Len Mullins told the Western Telegraph this week.

He added: “Instead, these will now be referred to the planning committee for decision, following an assessment of the cumulative impact of the proposals.”

The three plans are for 500kw turbines at Blaencilgoed Farm and Hill Farm, Ludchurch, and a 330kw turbine at Martin Hill Farm East, Martletwy.

Local environmental group Save Our Skylines (SOS) was fomed in response to the new proposals, and has called for an independent study of the cumulative effect of several turbines within a small geographical area.

“Pembrokeshire County Council must have a structured plan for green renewable energy that will not jeopardise tourism and spoil the landscape that is enjoyed by visitors and local residents,” said SOS Pembrokeshire member Julian Williams in the group’s newsletter.

Both the group and the Pembrokeshire branch of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales (CPRW) made successful calls for the application by Princes Gate to be deferred last month, because its report was written before the closing date for objections.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/02/13/wind-turbines-impact-to-be-examined-by-pembrokeshire-planners/