September 17, 2012
Wales

Campaign grows against proposal for five turbines near Port Talbot

South Wales Evening Post | www.thisissouthwales.co.uk 17 September 2012

Opposition is brewing against a controversial wind farm development which will overlook Port Talbot.

REG Windpower is behind proposals to put five turbines, measuring up to 100 metres to the blade tips on Mynydd Brombil.

The energy company, which has said it will be able to power 5,000 homes from the wind farm, has submitted its application to the council and a consultation period has begun.

Jeff Jones, a member of Friends of Margam Park, said his personal stance was one of opposition.

“They will be visible from the M4 which is the gateway to Port Talbot,” he said. “The last thing you want see is these monstrosities.

“I think it is going to have a profound effect on the landscape.”

The turbines will be visible from Goytre, Margam Road, Broomhill, and Port Talbot Civic Centre.

The proposed development will also affect two footpaths in Margam – 36 and 37 – and will affect the setting of an ancient monument, known as Ergyd Isaf Round Barrows.

Andrew Hutchins, from Goytre, has set up a petition which currently has around 500 signatures against the development.

“The point is wind turbines are encroaching on people’s lives. They are not being put in rural areas. They are getting too close,” he said.

After 25 years, the wind farm would be decommissioned and the land restored to its former appearance, according to the company.

It has also pledged to set up a community fund which would pay £40,000 a year to local causes throughout the wind farm’s life.

Members of the public are invited to inspect copies of the application at Neath Civic Centre, Port Talbot Civic Centre, The Quays at Briton Ferry and at the Pontardawe One Stop Shop in Holly Street weekdays between 8.30am and 5pm (4.30pm on Friday).

Or people can make written representations to The Quays, Brunel Way, Baglan Energy Park, SA11 2GG by Thursday, October 4.

A REG Windpower spokesman said: “The website is up and running for people to have a look at all the information.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/09/17/campaign-grows-against-proposal-for-five-turbines-near-port-talbot/