November 17, 2015
Wales

Councillors turn down community turbine plans

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

Plans to site a community wind turbine in Llanfyrnach were refused by councillors last week.

The application from Cwm Arian Renewable Energy came before the Planning and Rights of Way Committee on Tuesday, November 11, seeking permission for a 61 metre wind turbine on land at Trefawr.

Officers recommended that the application be refused as it would have “a significant adverse visual impact on the landscape.”

Eighty letters and emails of objection were received during the consultation period. Among the issues raised were visual impact, impact on tourism and local economy, cumulative impact, shadow flicker and property values. At the same time 22 letters were submitted in support of the application, together with 116 copies of a generic letter of support.

Crymych Community Council also indicated its support. Speaking on their behalf, Cllr Roger Howells said: “This project will benefit the local community at large. It is not a private business with money disappearing over the horizon, everything will be ploughed back in the local community.”

Holly Cross, the voluntary director of Cwm Arian Renewable Energy said deciding on whether to approve the turbine was a balancing act.

She said: “One medium sized turbine which may cause a moderate but not significant visual effect for its limited 25 year life will leave behind it all those community benefits for generations.”

Speaking on behalf of the objectors, Carol Francis said: “The size of the turbine is the equivalent to a 24 storey building. To allow this size of structure in what is a traditional, rural Pembrokeshire landscape would be totally inappropriate.”

During the debate, Cllr Peter Stock said: “I’m delighted when a community can benefit from this type of development, but I feel this particular one is in the wrong location.”

A vote on a motion to refuse the application was unanimous.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/11/17/councillors-turn-down-community-turbine-plans/