September 5, 2013
Wales

Garreg Lwyd Hill wind farm plan refused by Powys councillors

5 September 2013 bbc.co.uk

Plans for 23 wind turbines measuring 126m (415ft) have been unanimously refused by Powys councillors.

Powys council said the turbines at Garreg Lwyd Hill, near Llanbadarn Fynydd, would have an adverse impact on the landscape and views in the area.

Another application for road upgrades in Newtown, over 10 miles away, to carry abnormal loads to the wind farm, was also refused.

Both applications had been recommended for refusal by council officers.

A report before the council’s planning, taxi licensing and rights of way committee said: “Although significant weight must be given to the benefits of securing renewable energy, it is considered that on balance the proposed development’s adverse landscape impact, visual impact and cultural heritage impact outweighs the benefits of securing renewable energy.

“The recommendation is therefore one of refusal.”

Opposition to wind farms has grown in Powys since plans were unveiled to build an electricity sub-station in the county.

Cefn Coch, near Llanfair Caereinion, was chosen as the preferred site for the sub-station in July last year.

Three months ago, hundreds of protesters gathered in Welshpool to mark Britain’s biggest ever public inquiry into wind farms.

An alliance of 21 organisations oppose plans by six energy developers for northern Powys. The council has earmarked £2.8m from reserves to fund the inquiry.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/09/05/garreg-lwyd-hill-wind-farm-plan-refused-by-powys-councillors-2/