February 1, 2013
Wales

Open Spaces Society voices objection to Pentyrch wind turbine proposal

Claire Miller | February 1, 2013 | yourcardiff.walesonline.co.uk

A proposal to build a wind turbine just outside Cardiff has raised concerns about the possible impact on nearby open spaces.

The application to build a single 50W turbine in Pentyrch is currently under consideration by the council.

The wind turbine would be north of Garth Uchaf Farm on Efail Isaf Road, and just under a mile north of the village.

The application says the hope is that the turbine will encourage financial investment in the farm and hopefully secure its long-term future.

However, there are fears the turbine could have a negative impact on a nearby public open space.

Councillor Craig Williams said: “I am strongly against this application. Pentyrch and in particular the Garth Hill is an area of special landscape value.

“To build one of these monstrous wind turbines overlooking our capital city would be a national disgrace.

“The open space around Garth Hill is extremely popular with residents across the city and South Wales, the land must be treasured.

“I hope common sense prevails and the application is rejected.”

Open Spaces Society general secretary Kate Ashbrook said it would be ironic if Cardiff council was to allow an application that could damage an area it heralds as having an “open, unspoilt and moorland quality commanding 360 degree views over a huge area”.

She said: “This is an extensive, breezy open space, where people have the right to walk and horse riders enjoy permissive access.

“It is much enjoyed by the local population and visitors.

“It is a magnificent stretch of unspoilt countryside rising out of the urban valleys.

“The turbine would be extremely visible from here.”

The application has already attracted comments from neighbours, with one echoing the society’s concerns about whether the wind turbine would be intrusive on the tranquil area of Garth Hill, as well as raising the possibility of the impact from noise pollution.

There was also the fear that if this wind turbine was approved, it would set a precedent for further development.

The developer’s visual impact statement suggests that the impact of the wind turbine will be reduced because it will be screened in several directions by the topography of the land, as well as by trees.

Pentyrch Community Council said members had not been approached with any concerns about the scheme and it had not raised any objections when it was consulted on the plan.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/02/01/open-spaces-society-voices-objection-to-pentyrch-wind-turbine-proposal/