October 22, 2015
Wales

Objectors label council process ‘undemocratic’ as two turbines approved

Cambrian News | 22 October 2015 | www.cambrian-news.co.uk

Residents of two neighbouring villages in Ceredigion have called the county council “undemocratic” after two large wind turbines were approved without being discussed at committee.

A 45-metre-to-tip wind turbine will now be built on top of a hillside at Pencwm to the north of Penrhyncoch and to the east of Bow Street, and a 61m-to-tip wind turbine has been given the go-ahead at Llety Ifan Hen, Bontgoch.

Angry residents say they were unaware of the turbines being approved and have questioned the process after local councillors were allowed to approve the applications without full consent from the community.

Ceredigion County Council has insisted that it followed protocol, and said it received the nod to approve the applications from county councillor for Ceulanamaesmawr and leader of the county council, Cllr Ellen ap Gwynn, and county councillor for Trefeurig, Cllr Dai Mason.

With the Mynydd Gorddu Windfarm nearby and full planning permission for a wind farm at Nant y Moch having been granted, Bontgoch residents say they fear being surrounded by wind turbines on all sides.

Roger Morel said: “There has been no site meeting and it has not gone to committee.

“If I wanted to put up a little tin shed on my land they would have a site meeting, but not for a 61m turbine. This is an example of a total lack of democracy.

“I can’t believe this has happened in a so-called democratic country. It is really sad we have such wonderful countryside and we are going to transform it with these turbines.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/10/22/objectors-label-council-process-undemocratic-as-two-turbines-approved/