Opposition grows to wind farm (From Free Press Series)

Opposition grows to wind farm

PLANS for a £25 million wind farm on mountains between Blaina and Blaenavon face huge opposition in Torfaen.

Up to 24 wind turbines almost 100ft tall are planned for the mountain ridges of Mynydd James, Cefn Coch and Coity Mountain.

Pennant Wind Energy Ventures, the company planning the scheme, has offered local communities £4 million in grants over 25 years as a 'green dividend' to spend on community projects.

But the turbines have faced massive opposition in Blaenau Gwent, with hundreds taking to the streets in protest.

Now campaigners have been backed by people from Torfaen.

The Pendragon wind farm would overlook Blaenavon's World Heritage Site, and both Blaenavon and Pontypool town councils strongly object to the plans.

A spokesman for Pontypool town council said: "Members are gravely concerned that there will be a significant visual impact particularly in areas of Blaenau Gwent and the World Heritage Site."

Bosses of Blaenavon's two major tourist attractions, Big Pit and Blaenavon Ironworks, also object, saying the scheme would harm tourism in the area.

Residents of Garn-yr-Erw, near Blaenavon, have signed a petition against the plans, and Torfaen AM Lynne Neagle has written a letter of objection.

Cwmtillery councillor Mark Holland, vice chairman of campaign group SCAM, Save Coity And Mynydd James, said he was pleased people in Torfaen were opposed to the wind farm.

"I am chuffed to bits to hear this," he said.

"This adds more strength to our campaign. Blaenavon's World Heritage status could be under threat if these turbines are put up. We don't want them, and neither do they."

Torfaen council's environment department will send a report to Blaenau Gwent Council (which will decide whether to giver permission) objecting to the plans.

The Torfaen report recommends Blaenau Gwent councillors ask the Assembly to 'call in' the application if it's recommend the plan for approval.

The application is due before Blaenau Gwent Council later this year.