October 16, 2013
Wales

Wind turbine gets given the go-ahead

Carmarthen Journal | October 16, 2103 | www.thisissouthwales.co.uk

A 250ft wind turbine in Whitland has been given the go-ahead despite much opposition from residents.

The turbine, a transformer station and ancillary development are to be built on land at Rhydgoch Field in Blaenwaun after Carmarthenshire planners voted to for a mindful approval on Thursday.

Head of planning Eifion Bowen said there had been a number of objections to the application from neighbouring residents.

Concerns raised include the cumulative impact in terms of visual and noise on nearby properties with a number of proposed and existing turbines in the area including a proposed development at Plas Parcau and an existing turbine at Dyffryn Brodyn.

Other concerns raised by people living in the area include the turbine being too close to neighbouring properties, the turbine being further from landowners dwellings but nearer local properties, visual impact on the area and shadow flicker on nearby homes.

At the meeting Ross Gallie, who lives at Rhyd Goch, the house closest to the development, outlined his objections to the turbine.

He said: “Rhyd Goch will be affected by 30 hours of turbine flicker. It is highly likely that our property will be affected by noise.”

Mr Gallie also said a large turbine near the property would damage any possible business opportunities, such as a bed and breakfast, at his small holding.

Councillor Winston Lemon said he was concerned with the number of wind turbines being built in Carmarthenshire.

“I am concerned about these continuous applications. We are getting near to the maximum we can tolerate in Wales.”

After the application was approved Mr Gallie added: “I feel they have ignored the accumulative impact. I feel at what point are they going to say no.

“No one is protecting our way of life. I am disappointed that we are not protected.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/10/16/wind-turbine-gets-given-the-go-ahead/