July 17, 2013
Wales

Council criticised over Five Roads wind turbine plans

Llanelli Star | July 17, 2013 | www.thisissouthwales.co.uk

Residents battling against plans for a new wind turbine in Five Roads have hit out at the council’s planning department – as the application has been recommended for approval.

Over a number of months, villagers have been outspoken over their concerns that the proposed 50kw structure at Ty Mawr farm would have an impact on nearby properties – with the closest being 209 metres away.

They started the Residents Against Turbines (RATS) campaign group, airing concerns over the potential effect on health, noise and the visual impact.

And they have now issued one last plea to the authority before they decide once and for all at their next planning meeting tomorrow.
Caroline Piercy, speaking on behalf of the group, said: “It will be a sad day if this development is allowed to blight the village and this beautiful area of the Gwendraeth Valley as it will be seen given the complex topography of the area.”

The proposed site is enveloped between Afon Lleidi Valley Special Landscape Area and would also be visible from St Illtyd’s Walk.

The group, which states there is “ill feeling in the village” now says it is imperative that a site visit is carried out in order for the council to appreciate the landscape around the site.

“We feel that this application is in conflict with Carmarthenshire Council policy and would also set a dangerous precedent in the area for further wind turbine developments,” Mrs Piercy said.

“The visual impact will be significant, impacting on local amenities including the much used cycle track which passes close to the proposed site.

“There are also two grade two listed buildings within the area – one is a scheduled ancient monument and the 18th Century public house The Waun Wyllt.

“We feel that the council also needs to consider the inappropriate siting of such applications given that the council unanimously agreed to extend buffer zones from properties in March 2011 but has yet to become part of the UDP.”

A council spokesman said the matter would be discussed at a meeting tomorrow.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/07/17/council-criticised-over-five-roads-wind-turbine-plans/