March 1, 2013
Wales

Snowdonia National Park to fight windfarm plans

By Hywel Trewyn | Mar 1 2013 | www.dailypost.co.uk

Snowdonia National Park Authority is to fight plans for two massive windfarms on the edge of its boundary – one of which would be just over a mile away.

SNPA members have backed a report by director of planning and cultural heritage Aled Sturkey recommending the Authority continues with its objection at a multi-million pound public inquiry due to be held in Welshpool, Powys in the beginning of June.

The Park strongly objects the erection of 50 wind turbines with a maximum height to blade tip of 137m at Carnedd Wen, Powys by RWE NPower Renewables and for 30 others with a maximum blade tip height of 126.5m at Llanbrynmair, Powys submitted by RES UK and Ireland.

In opposition to Carnedd Wen, Mr Sturkey said: “The nearest turbine is within 1.6 miles from the Park boundary in an area to the south west of Mallwyd and to the south of the A458. The summit of Aran Fawddwy is located some 8 miles from the nearest turbine. The summit of Carnedd Wen is at 523 metres (Aran Fawddwy 907m). I am concerned that these large structures will be easily visible from highpoints within the National Park and this will have an adverse impact on the surrounding landscape, the tranquillity of the area and the special qualities which make up the Park.

“Views out of the Park will be adversely affected to a greater or lesser degree. It is further considered that the proposal and its cumulative impact, by the nature of its scale and visual impact, in such close proximity to the National Park boundary will have a detrimental effect on the landscape character of the National Park.

“As a consequence, and in my opinion, the proposal is contrary to the guidance given in TAN 8 which seeks to “maintain the integrity and quality of the landscape within National Parks”.

Regarding the Llanbrynmair windfarm, Mr Sturkey said: “Thirty turbines are proposed at a blade height of 126.6 metres. The turbines will be located approximately at a distance of 4 miles from the Park boundary. There are similar objections pertaining to this proposal and when viewed from the National Park it will appear as one large wind farm, merging with Carnedd Wen immediately to the north. The cumulative impact of the two proposals, together with other planned proposals is an important consideration.”

He added: “I am particularly concerned about another proposed wind farm proposal at Dyfnant Forest which is located even closer to the Park boundary.”

Both Powys Council and the Countryside Council for Wales are also objecting to the two windfarms which are among a total of five in Powys to be the subject of the inquiry which will start in June and is expected to last 40-weeks.

Inspector Andrew Poulter has been appointed to lead the inquiry will be held in Welshpool.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/03/01/snowdonia-national-park-to-fight-windfarm-plans/