COULD the rejection of a wind turbine project set a precedent and lead to other comparable proposals across Blaenau Gwent being turned down as well?
During Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council’s Planning Committee gathering on Thursday, March 26, members received information about the ongoing Developments of National Significance initiatives in the region.
Elected members expressed support for the verdict issued by Welsh Government planning officials at PEDW (Planning and Environment Decisions Wales) dismissing the application from RWE Power to erect six turbines reaching up to 200 metres tall on terrain situated between Abertillery and Abersychan.
Inspector Iwan Lloyd determined the scheme would create an unacceptable visual intrusion upon both Bannau Brycheiniog National Park and the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape World Heritage Site.
County planning officers informed the panel that they participated in a hearing earlier this week concerning the revised DNS submission from Pennant Walter for seven turbines standing 180 metres high at Mynydd Llanhilleth.
The earlier plan involved eight turbines but developers pulled it in June 2024, with a reduced scheme resubmitted during the summer.
The Mynydd Llanhilleth location lies predominantly within Torfaen County Borough’s boundaries, though the western section neighbours the Blaenau Gwent settlements of Llanhilleth and Bryn Ithel.
The authority acted as a consultee and filed a Local Impact Report with PEDW in the autumn, stating that the wind farm would damage Blaenau Gwent in overall terms.
Councillor Lee Parsons (Non-Aligned – Llanhilleth) asked whether the Mynydd Llanhilleth scheme might face comparable treatment from the inspector’s assessment, wondering whether it could be rejected due to impacts on the Brecon Beacons and Blaenavon World Heritage Site, given that its proximity to Abertillery is similar.
Development Management Team Manager Joanne White responded that the inspector would consider all aspects, and that it was now simply a case of awaiting the outcome.
Councillor Parsons observed that a precedent appeared to have been established.
Planning Development Team Manager Steph Hopkins explained that every application would be evaluated according to its own circumstances, noting significant differences in effects between proposals. She added that both Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen councils had vigorously advocated for the positions outlined in their Local Impact Report.
Committee Chairwoman Councillor Lisa Winnett (Labour – Blaina) praised council officers for performing excellently during the hearing.
Councillor David Wilkshire (Labour – Rassau and Garnlydan) remarked that the Welsh Government’s stance on wind turbines was well-known, with officials attempting to push them everywhere. He noted having attended several such hearings and acknowledged they were difficult to win.
The committee took note of the presentation.
PEDW has indicated the inspector’s report should reach the government by June 14.
Pennant Walters states the wind farm would produce 34 MW of electricity, sufficient to supply 21,500 households annually.