December 24, 2012
Wales

Energy firm’s appeal in bid for 21 turbines

By Graeme Wilkinson | Carmarthen Journal | December 24, 2012 | www.thisissouthwales.co.uk

An energy company is appealing against a decision to refuse it permission to build 21 wind turbines on Mynydd Llanllwni.

Renewable Energy Systems (RES) Ltd has lodged an appeal with the Welsh Government after Carmarthenshire planners turned down its application last month.

RES spokesman Dan Patterson said: “We believe there is a strong case to be answered, not least because the site lies within a strategic area earmarked for renewable energy development by the Welsh Government.”

If the appeal is accepted, Carmarthenshire Council will have to defend its decision at a public inquiry. County planning officers had recommended refusing the plans for the project, called Bryn Llywelyn Wind Farm, ahead of a meeting of the planning committee on November 20.

At that meeting councillors followed the recommendation.

The site is on high ground on common land and farmland stretching south towards Gwernogle.

Mr Patterson said the project had been in the planning process for two years, adding: “The appeal has been lodged with the Planning Inspectorate for Wales and we must now wait for notification of the starting date so the formal appeal process can begin.”

The process will include a period for the public to make representations to the Planning Inspectorate.

The plans attracted widespread opposition from people in Llanllwni and the surrounding area.

They formed the action group Save Mynydd Llanllwni.

Applied

Meanwhile, a decision is expected early next year for the development called Brechfa Forest West Wind Farm.

A different company, called RWE Npower Renewables, has applied for permission to build 28 turbines on Forestry Commission land near the existing Alltwalis Wind Farm.

That application has been considered by the centralised National Infrastructure Planning Inspectorate which made its recommendation to the Secretary of State for Energy in Westminster on December 12.

MP Ed Davey now has until March 12 to make a final decision on the plans.

Also, RWE Npower Renewables has an application in with Carmarthenshire Council for a 12- turbine wind farm, also on Forestry land, near Rhydcymerau and Llansawel.

That application has not yet been before the planning committee.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/12/24/energy-firms-appeal-in-bid-for-21-turbines/