September 12, 2012
Wales

Council backs residents’ objections over turbine

Carmarthen Journal | www.thisissouthwales.co.uk 12 September 2012

A community council has objected to plans for a wind turbine in the Amman Valley, which campaigners claim will blight their lives.

Local businessman Alan Davies, of D J Davies Fuels Ltd, wants to build the 500kW turbine near Blaenau, Ammanford. But campaigners like Anne Oldbury, 56, say it would devalue their homes and ruin their lives.

At a meeting of Llandybie Community Council on Wednesday, September 5, councillors were given a powerpoint presentation showing the visual impact of the 60.8-metre turbine to residents of Caerbryn and surrounding villages, by the Saron, Llandybie and Penygroes (SLAP) action group.

Council clerk Dilys Griffiths told the Journal that members held a vote, with members voting 7-1 against the application.

SLAP and its supporters also held a silent protest outside the community council meeting.

Sian Protheroe, spokeswoman for the group, delivered the presentation – described by campaigners as “heartfelt and emotional”.

Angela Bowler, secretary of SLAP, said: “We were very pleased with the outcome and would like to thank the councillors for their support.

“We have campaigned tirelessly against this proposal since May.

“Although the original application for a 77-metre high turbine has since been amended, residents are still faced with the potential for a 60.8-metre turbine sited on a hill 35 metres high, making it virtually the same size as Big Ben.”

She added: “A big thank you to all our supporters in your endless support against this turbine.”

Annie and Mike Oldbury, of Caer Bryn Road, Penygroes, are part of the action group, and live 300 metres away from the proposed turbine site.

The couple, who moved from Reading, live below a valley and say they can already hear the noise of people walking on the nearby bridle path.

Mrs Oldbury previously told the Journal that she also believed the mast would decrease the value of their bungalow, which the couple bought only two years ago.

The application will now go before Carmarthenshire Council’s planning committee.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/09/12/council-backs-residents-objections-over-turbine/