October 15, 2015
Wales

Pontarddulais councillors confused over Mynnyd y Gwair wind farm plan

South Wales Evening Post | October 14, 2015 | www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk

Community leaders in Pontarddulais have been left confused by a controversial wind farm development on their doorstep.

RWE Innogy UK Ltd wants to create a £52 million 16-turbine wind farm at Mynydd y Gwair.

It needs to deregister common land to facilitate the plans.

Talks were held at Pontarddulais Town Council over the issue and councillors claimed they were sent a letter suggesting the exchange of land had already been sorted out.

But councillors meeting at The Institute in St Teilo Street were told this was not yet the case.

Councillor John Miles said he was unhappy with what was said in the original letter on the common land issue.

He also raised concerns about the reservoir in the mountain, saying he feared the wind farm could lead to flooding issues in Pontarddulais.

He added: “I went into the reservoir, which was four, five to six feet deep. It was a T-formation, a natural water course. If they disturb that water it will be running out 365 days a year.

“It could become a major problem for Pontarddulais.”

Responding to the concerns, RWE’s Mynydd y Gwair project manager Gwenllian Elias said: “Throughout, all application documents have been widely available for viewing by the public as hard copies, online and CD versions, all sent on request to individuals.

“The Planning Inspectorate has advised that we have consulted entirely correctly during this process.

“A new common land application was submitted in September 2015, following refusal of our earlier application.

“In light of this, a letter to stakeholders, including the council, on September 11, talks very clearly about this being an application and proposal requiring approval – there is nothing to suggest this issue is already sorted out.

“Potential impacts on water courses have been assessed thoroughly by independent consultants and informed the planning application, which was approved by Swansea Council, as well as the current Commons application.

“Robust mitigation measures are in place for the construction and operation of the wind farm to ensure there are no problems with local water courses.

“We understand there will continue to be differences of opinion but we have been delighted with the level of support the project has attracted.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/10/15/pontarddulais-councillors-confused-over-mynnyd-y-gwair-wind-farm-plan/