Blaenau Gwent residents horrified as plans for five massive wind turbines are approved 

Blaenau Gwent is set to face a major change to its landscape with the planned construction of five large-scale wind turbines, despite residents vocalising their reservations.

The project’s approval has sparked alarm among residents who have voiced their concerns about the impact on the landscape and the potential disruption to their daily lives.

The proposed turbines will have a maximum tip height of 180 metres, which is roughly the same height as the Gherkin building in London.

Cwm resident and psychologist, Dr Robert Edmunds, is amongst those arguing that the turbines will dramatically alter the area, potentially casting shadows over residents’ gardens and generating noise.

Much of the residents’ concern extends beyond the mere presence of wind turbines, but rather the scale of the project and the proximity to residential homes.

They highlight the potential impact the turbines could have on local lives, which they feel has been dismissed.

“I do not feel most people realise the scale of the project,” expressed Dr Edmunds.

“It is a scandal that people can just have this foisted upon them by a government initiative, and there is very little we can do,” Dr Edmunds explained.

Similarly concerned over the practicality and proximity of the project is Steven Millard, who said, “The siting of such large structures, so close that they cast flickering shadows over hundreds of homes, a special school and hospital, should not be allowed.”

“Some homes are only 450m away from these 180m high structures,” explained Mr Millard.

Residents are particularly concerned about the potential side effects of large turbines, such as noise and shadow flicker, which they say have been documented in other areas throughout the Valleys.

Residents have expressed confusion as to how the project has been approved despite widespread objections, and continue to question the suitability of the location.

“It is odd that, in order to protect our climate and the natural world upon which we depend for our future, businesses and governments wish to destroy large swathes of our upland green spaces, our dog walking spaces, even though there are less destructive options and less disruptive places to place them,” Mr Millard concluded.

In response to the concerns, the company running the project, Cenin, said, “CENIN is engaged in discussions with Blaenau Gwent CBC about a local energy network.”

Cenin went on to explain how the renewable energy generated by the project could be used throughout the county and how it is likely to create vital employment.

“There are no major negative effects of noise and shadow flicker that could bring disruption as suggested.

“CENIN will engage with local people who are concerned about such matters and give detailed responses,” they said.

“CENIN will continue to listen to the community.

“Certain political parties want to see the introduction of a Social Local Tariffs for Energy.

“CENIN would certainly look at these proposals and if they work in practice, support them, especially to those needing support and in poverty,” they finished.