November 20, 2012
Wales

Wind farm proposal set for rejection by Carmarthenshire planners

BBC News | 20 November 2012 | www.bbc.co.uk

Plans for a 21-turbine wind farm are set to be rejected despite falling in an area outlined for wind energy projects.

The development by renewable energy firm RES would see 127m (400ft) high turbines generating 48.3 megawatts.

It falls within one of seven areas of mid and south Wales chosen in 2005 by the Welsh government for such schemes under a policy known as Tan 8.

Carmarthenshire planning officials have recommended the proposals are refused.

Planning committee members are due to make a visit to the site, known as Bryn Llywelyn, at Llanllwni, Carmarthenshire, before making their decision.

The proposals are for the 21 turbines to be site over around 3,450 acres (1,397 hectares) of crown-owned common land mainly used for sheep grazing about nine miles (15km) north east of Carmarthen.

The council has received a total of 370 letters of objection, a petition containing 237 signatures as well as objections from a range of community, heritage and environmental groups, including the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales.

Carmarthen East and Dinefwr AM Rhodri Glyn Thomas raised “concerns” after receiving 10 letters of objection while and Mid and West Wales AM Nick Bourne said more wind turbines would “desecrate” the landscape.

Dyfed-Powys Police objected on grounds that it could lead to an increase in crime and disorder.

The report noted: “Previous experience suggests this could be from the labour force moving in or from direct action by protesters of the wind farm.”

However, it said police concerns could be mitigated with measures including the developer contributing to the cost of policing.

The council has received three letters in support of the plans, which said the turbines would bring jobs, contribute towards carbon reduction, generate funds for the local economy through a community benefit fund and were a “sufficient distance” from homes.

Officials are recommending the scheme is turned down as its scale, siting and prominence would “result in demonstrable harm to the landscape character, visual, ecological and historical qualities” of the area.

They also said the likely energy generated by the turbines would “not outweigh the significant adverse effects on local environmental quality”.

Tan 8, or Technical Advice Note 8, established seven strategic areas thought to be suitable as sites for developing wind energy on a large scale.

The Welsh government wants the UK government to devolve powers over large-scale energy generation projects.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/11/20/wind-farm-proposal-set-for-rejection-by-carmarthenshire-planners/