Tintern to get power on TAP (From Free Press Series)

Tintern to get power on TAP

12:00pm Wednesday 3rd February 2010

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

RENEWABLE energy is to be created in the Wye Valley after a £300,000 project was approved yesterday.

A small hydro electric power scheme will generate power using the Angiddy River above Tintern.

The proposal had provoked a strong reaction, receiving 23 letters of objection and was recommended for rejection by Tintern Community Council. But 20 letters of support were also sent and Monmouthshire County Council planners passed it unanimously.

A £300,000 hydro electric turbine will be installed at Angiddy Brook generating 30 kilowatts of electricity – enough to power the equivalent of 40 houses – for the National Grid. Intake pipes and stainless steel filters will be installed under two arches of the Beaufort Dam – a Grade 2 listed building.

Cllr Maureen Powell said: "This is the future, the way forward."

Cllr David Dovey added: "This is an excellent example of modern technology on a local basis. It might even become a tourist attraction of educational facility."

Tintern ward member Cllr Ann Webb said it was a tremendous addition to te Wye Valley.

Morris Jones, the project’s finance director said the scheme will hopefully earn £20,000 a year to be spent on local youth clubs, improvement schemes or educational projects on climate change.

Objectors expressed concerned about the impact on wildlife, the dam, public footpaths, the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the felling of trees and claim the benefits of green energy will not outweigh environmental harm.

But supporters of the scheme argue it will help tackle climate change and there will be a negligible effect on the environment, wildlife and archaeological sites, and Chris Rastall, on behalf of the applicants, said he was sure the community council would now come on board.

"We're very pleased ater the amount of time and effort which has gone into this scheme", he said.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)