July 30, 2015
Wales

Councillor will ‘sleep well’ knowing wildlife is safe

Ceri Coleman-Phillips, Reporter | Western Telegraph | www.westerntelegraph.co.uk

A decision to refuse planning permission for a 67 metre wind turbine in Trecwn was greeted by applause from the public gallery.

The Terra Renewables application came before the county council’s planning committee on Tuesday (July 28), with more than 300 objections.

It sought permission to build a turbine on land north of Ciliauwen, which will be capable of powering 500 Pembrokeshire homes.

Planning officers recommended refusal, as the turbine would have “an adverse impact on the character and visual amenity of the area.”

It was also considered that the turbine would have an adverse impact when considered cumulatively with other turbines in the area.”

Planning agent Nathan Billings said: “We are particularly sensitive to the turbine’s impact on the landscape and the amenity of local residents.

“We hosted a public consultation event to which we sent personal invitations to 280 residents.

“The application has been recommended for refusal due to adverse impact on the landscape – we respectfully disagree with this assessment.

“We acknowledge the turbine will have a localised impact, which is an inevitable consequence of any form of building development, but we stand by our assessment that the turbine is at worst distant and small from the most sensitive viewpoints.”

Anne Eastham spoke on behalf of the objectors, addressing the biodiversity issues. She shared her vast knowledge of local bats and birds and the effect the proposed turbine would have on them.

She said: “We have been changing the landscape as people for over 10,000 years now, and perhaps we should begin to give consideration to the other species that want to occupy our space.”

Members were unanimous in voting to refuse the application.

Cllr Peter Morgan said: “I will sleep well tonight knowing wildlife in Pembrokeshire is safe.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/07/30/councillor-will-sleep-well-knowing-wildlife-is-safe/