'Absolutely monstrous' wind turbines with potential to power thousands of homes could kill two birds of prey every day
A proposed windfarm to be decided on by the Welsh Government would have a "negative" impact on the area, says report
Council planners have found that a proposed windfarm at a mountain in Wales with the potential to power thousands of homes would have a negative impact. As a development of national significance the proposed Mynydd Maen windfarm on the mountain overlooking Cwmbran will be decided on by the Welsh Government.
Torfaen Borough Council has also been tasked with compiling a local impact report investigating the potential pros and cons of the windfarm, which could see 13 turbines each standing at 149 metres to the blade tip.
The new report indicates that the development would negatively affect both the landscape and visual amenity of Torfaen as well as the residential amenity.
Torfaen council's planning committee discussed the findings during their May meeting, submitted to the Welsh planning body Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW).
An issue of particular concern for councillors was the risk the turbines pose to birds of prey with an estimated two fatalities per day possible due to the windfarm.
The planned site is around one kilometre west of Cwmbran and two east of Newbridge and spans 376 hectares. Around 120 hectares are in Torfaen and the remainder falls under the jurisdiction of Caerphilly County Borough Council.
It also stretches into both the Abercarn visually important local landscape area and partially into Torfaen's designated special upland landscape area.
Much of the site lies within the area pre-assigned by the Welsh Government as being suitable for wind generation, generally enjoying a favourable view towards wind energy projects since the Welsh Government has set targets for Wales to meet the equivalent of 100% of its annual electricity demand from renewable sources by 2035 and to achieve net zero by 2050.
Pontypool's independent councillor, Mark Jones, has voiced his concerns about the proposed wind turbines, which are expected to stand nearly 150m tall.
He said: "To put that into context of pylons 150m is around 500 foot high. The average pylon is 150 foot. These are absolutely monstrous things."
Cllr Jones also questioned the selection of the site given Welsh policy on large scale wind farms in areas of outstanding natural beauty.
"Anybody who has been on Mynydd Maen and can tell me that's not an area of outstanding natural beauty, then I don't know what is," he said.
Planning officer Justin Jones clarified that an area of outstanding natural beauty is a "particular designation in law", which the area in question does not have, but he did recognise its "unique features" and noted it has been deemed suitable for wind farm development.
Mr Jones said specific details regarding red kites and peregrine falcons' nesting sites could not be shared publicly but the applicant, Renewable Energy Systems (RES), has suggested mitigation measures within its assessments.
The company is also seeking approval to adjust the turbine locations by up to 50 metres in any direction which Mr Jones indicated would need to be evaluated in light of their bird protection strategies.
Reform UK councillor for Llantarnam Alan Slade raised concerns about the potential impact on wildlife. He said: "I've read these turbines can kill up to two raptors everyday. Will there by any assessment of fatalities after these turbines have gone up?"
Mr Jones acknowledged that the "anticipated kill rate" isn't markedly different from the number Cllr Slade referenced, mentioning that measures such as turning off a turbine could act as mitigation.
A condition requiring a turbine be switched off will also be suggested as part of measures to control noise if it is found to have an unacceptable impact. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
The developer will be expected to respond to the issues raised in the council's report which also considers the cumulative impact with other wind farms proposed nearby at Llanhilleth and Abertillery.
A decision should be made within 36 weeks. If consented it would take around 12 to 18 months for detailed design, discharge of planning conditions and the procurement of equipment and contractors.
RES said its construction, a start date for which would be dependent on a grid connection, would deliver a £26.3m boost for the Welsh economy, with £3.6m injected locally.
Graeme Kerr, project manager for RES, said: “We have spent the last few years proactively engaging with the local community and stakeholders to really understand people’s views on our proposal.
"The feedback, along with extensive environmental and technical surveys and assessments, has helped to inform and shape the final design for the wind farm.
“Our team has worked hard to ensure the wind farm would sit sensitively within the landscape, whilst avoiding areas of deeper peat and potential archaeological features.
“Furthermore, the wind farm, if consented, could also deliver biodiversity net benefit through measures including restoration and management of dry heath, bracken control, pond creation and improving the condition of wet heath areas, an important habitat for birds and invertebrates.”