July 1, 2015
Wales

Appeal for public to oppose Drummau turbine plan

Rebecca Jones | South Wales Evening Post | June 30, 2015 | www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk

Concerned residents living near to Drummau Mountain are urging people to step up their objections to a wind turbine.

A planning application to build the 77-metre high turbine at the top of the Drummau Mountain, the backdrop to Skewen, was submitted to the council last month. But residents in both Skewen and Bryncoch are urging others to support their campaign to stop the turbine from being built there.

A spokesman for the Mynydd Drummau Wind Turbine Protest group said: “It’s not only these two places which will see this 77-metre turbine, but anyone else who has a view of the flank of the mountain.

“It will dominate the skyline for thousands of local residents for whom the mountain forms an attractive backdrop.”

Although the formal consultation period ended on June 25, Neath Port Talbot Council’s planning department will continue to accept comments on the single wind turbine application.

In addition to the visual intrusion, the spokesman said the turbine was proposed to be built in close proximity to ancient monuments, including the well-known Carreg Bica standing stone.

He also said no extended study had been undertaken of the possible impact on bird and bat movements on the mountain, where red kites are increasingly being seen.

He said: “There would be huge disruption involved too if a 16-wheel vehicle attempted to transport this massive turbine on to the mountain.”

Residents have also been left upset at the suggestion that a route might be taken through Woodland Trust land.

“Local people who contributed to the purchase of this ancient woodland to preserve the character of the mountain slopes, might be horrified at the prospect of an installation that would spoil the tranquility of the mountain top,” he added.

Now the group is urging other people to make their views known on the matter.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/07/01/appeal-for-public-to-oppose-drummau-turbine-plan/