October 16, 2014
Wales

‘We must have say on wind turbines’

Carmarthen Journal | October 15, 2014 | www.carmarthenjournal.co.uk

Councillors in Carmarthenshire are demanding they get a say on large wind turbine plans earmarked for the county following fears important planning decisions could me made at a national level.

Councillor David Jenkins raised the issue at a full meeting of the county council where he said: “The number of turbines are mushrooming and we having a number of installations.

“Will the planning department impose conditions to protect residents in Carmarthenshire (from over development of wind turbines).

“This is an enforcement issue.”

He said it was a concern if large wind farm applications

were to be decided at Welsh Government level in Cardiff or even in London at Westminster.

Council director of regeneration Dave Gilbert said the Welsh Government was of the view that there are too many local planning authorities – 25 including the national parks. As a result he said: “Some powers will go to London, we don’t know what will be national.”

He said there could be a cumulative effect of smaller turbine applications which also needed to be recognised and said councillor Jenkins’ comments were “We will know more over the next 12 months.”

a point well made.

Councillor Peter Cooper said there was a seminar being held on planning legislation that he said would be valuable for all councillors to attend over the coming weeks.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/10/16/we-must-have-say-on-wind-turbines/