August 29, 2013
Wales

Controversial Five Roads wind turbine plans backed

By ROBERT DALLING | South Wales Evening Post | August 29, 2013 | www.thisissouthwales.co.uk

Controversial plans for a wind turbine in Five Roads have been backed by Carmarthenshire Council.

The planning committee went on a visit to the site at Ty Mawr Farm on Monday before discussing the proposal for a single 50kw wind turbine.

A report said that the applicants, Judith and Seymour Merritt, were looking to address the issue of rising electricity costs associated with the farm’s operations by diversifying and using renewable energy sources.

It stated how it was expected that the proposed turbine would provide electricity to meet the demands of the farm buildings and operations, while any surplus electricity generated by the wind turbine would be exported to the national grid.

Officers said it was an acceptable development and recommended approving the application.

The scheme has caused great controversy since being submitted last December, with a campaign group set up to oppose it named Five Roads Residents Against Wind Turbines.

Three local residents addressed the planning committee with their objections to the scheme, which included the possible impact on holiday makers staying at a neighbouring farm, noise, that the turbine would be too large and too close to neighbouring properties, and would have a big visual impact.

Ward councillor Jim Jones had also objected to the application, while a meeting at the village hall saw many voice their opposition.

Planning agent Owain Griffiths, for the applicants, said it was a single turbine to serve the farm and would have a minimal visual impact.

The application, which sought full planning permission to erect a single wind turbine with a maximum tip height of 34.2m, and a hub height of 24.6m, was approved.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/08/29/controversial-five-roads-wind-turbine-plans-backed/