February 19, 2014
Wales

Controversial wind farm planned near Neath turned down by councillors

South Wales Evening Post | February 19, 2014 | www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk

Councillors have decided to turn down a controversial wind farm planned on land between Rhos and Cilfrew.

Campaigners claim the five turbine development at Mynydd March Hywel will be seen from as far away as Gower.

Almost 600 people have voiced their concerns about the development and March Hywel Protection Group have made their objections to the turbines, which will have a maximum blade tip height of 126.5metres.

Neath Port Talbot Council officers had recommended the development for approval, but councillors yesterday voted against it on grounds of visual amenity and traffic.

Regional AM Suzy Davies said that there were enough planning grounds to justify refusal of the application.

Mrs Davies, who is a Welsh Conservative Regional AM for South Wales West, said: “Mynydd Marchywel is well known and indeed marketed as a place to see Red Kites which are a protected species.

“Having battled to bring this species back from the brink of extinction, it would be a catastrophe if any of these birds were killed by the rotating blades of these 415 feet high turbines. Peat bog sites on the mountain should also remain undisturbed as they are natural sequesters of CO2.

“The new Local Development Plan says that Mynydd Marchywel should be designated as a Special Landscape Area.

“Approving this wind farm means that the opportunity to protect and preserve this area will be lost.”

RES project manager, Chris Jackson, said they expect the project would inject around £1.4 million into the local economy during development, construction and the first year of operation.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/02/19/controversial-wind-farm-planned-near-neath-turned-down-by-councillors/