September 5, 2013
Wales

Fears windfarm test mast could open floodgates

Staff Reporter | Advertizer | 03 September 2013 | www.bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk

Proposals for a 60 metre high mast which will determine the suitability of the site for a potential windfarm will be discussed by Wrexham Council.
The application by Wrexham Wind Energy Ltd for an anemometer mast on Farm Road, Craignant, for a period of up to three years has been recommended for approval by the council’s planning committee.
The steel mast would include wind monitoring equipment and a weather vane
The applicant’s consultants are currently undertaking studies to determine the suitability of the site for wind energy and the environmental impact of any proposed development.
Glyntraian Community Council has objected on the grounds the Ceiriog Valley is hoping to gain recognition as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
It feels such an application if approved would be “detrimental” to this recognition by damaging the aesthetics of the valley as well as opening the “floodgates” for similar applications including wind turbines and farms.
The proposal comes just months after a similar application at neighbouring Spring Hill Farm was thrown out at appeal by the Planning Inspectorate for Wales.
Councillor Mair Evans, Llansanffraid Glyn Ceiriog Community Council, said: “We spent all that money battling the Spring Hill Farm proposal which was thrown out, but if this should be taken to appeal we would have to fight it.
“It’s all the same issues as the other application,” she added.
Ken Skates, Clwyd South AM, said he is concerned about the precedent this application could set for the Ceiriog Valley, where tourism is crucial to the local economy and the unspoilt landscape which provides that attraction.
In the report by Lawrence Isted, head of community wellbeing and community development, it said: “While this proposal may be a pre-cursor to a potential onshore wind energy scheme, this does not form part of the proposal currently under consideration.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/09/05/fears-windfarm-test-mast-could-open-floodgates/