December 18, 2021
Wales

Wind farm’s impact on ‘vista of the Queen of Welsh Resorts’ has seen project scaled back

RWE Renewables is making changes to its proposals for Awel y Mor after feedback from local residents | By Owen Hughes, Business correspondent | 16 Dec 2021 | www.dailypost.co.uk

Fears over the visual impact on the ‘vista of the Queen of Welsh Resorts’ has seen a massive offshore wind farm scaled back.

Key changes have been made to Awel y Môr, off Llandudno and Colwyn Bay, after a public consultation.

RWE Renewables is leading the development – a sister project to Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm, that would sit over 10km off the coastline.

It would lie to the west of Gwynt y Môr and at the start of the consultation there had been a proposed maximum of 91 turbines – which could potentially be 332 metres tall.

Following the exercise, RWE said it has carefully considered all feedback from stakeholders and members of the public and, as a result, amended key aspects of the project.

A spokesperson said: “With concerns raised about the visual impact of the wind farm, the offshore array area has been reduced further on its western side, resulting in a 26% reduction from the original project design in 2020.

“In addition to this, the maximum number of turbines that can be built has been significantly reduced from 91 to between 35-50.

“The final number will depend on the size of the turbines that are available nearer the construction phase.

“Whilst the size of the turbines will have an impact on the amount of power generated (the taller the turbines, the greater the electricity generation), it is still envisaged that they will generate enough electricity to supply clean, green energy to up to approximately half a million homes per year.”

Another area of key local interest voiced during the consultation exercise was the proposal to locate construction works within the grounds of Rhyl Golf Club.

RWE said: “As the feedback received clearly noted, the golf club is regarded and enjoyed as an important community asset, and a design is being progressed which will mean avoiding any above ground works at the club.

“Some access to the golf course will still be required, but this will be temporary and should not cause any major disruption.”

Tamsyn Rowe, Awel y Môr project manager, said: “The feedback we received from the consultation was extremely valuable and will assist in informing our next steps in the planning process. We have significantly reduced the maximum number of turbines, as the visual impact was a key concern for many.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2021/12/18/wind-farms-impact-on-vista-of-the-queen-of-welsh-resorts-has-seen-project-scaled-back/