7th July 2004
Following the announcement that a Planning Decision Committee of the National Assembly has recommended that the Scarweather Sands off shore turbines be given the go-ahead, Peter Ogden CPRW’s Director expressed his bitter disappointment.
At the Public Inquiry in November, the first ever for a UK off-shore proposal, CPRW formed a coalition with the Ramblers’ Association, the Civic Trust, Porthcawl Town Council and a local action group and worked in tandem with Bridgend County Borough Council to resist the scheme.
CPRW’s view was that this was a classic example of the right technology in the wrong place. We felt that these turbines would mar a particularly attractive coastal area of Wales. We said that they would be too close to the shore, opposite a sensitive coast and when facing into the setting sun would not offer adequate energy recompense for the views they would blight.
What is particularly galling is that the Inspector agreed with these views and recommended that planning permission be refused saying in his report:
"The visual impact of a windfarm in the specific location of this proposal would be so prominent when viewed from Porthcawl and its immediate area that I consider that the harmful effects on this view are sufficient to outweigh the benefits of this particular proposal."Peter Ogden, CPRW’s Director said:
"This is a terrible day for Wales. Our arguments won the battle but it looks
like we have lost the war. We really don’t need these particular turbines and I
ask where now is sacrosanct from wind turbines?"
A Planning Decision Committee, made up of four Assembly members, disagreed with the Inspector’s conclusion and have recommended that permission be granted. A ‘notice of intention’ will be issued to all Assembly Members giving them 5 days to register dissatisfaction that the Order be made. This will be done after the Assembly’s Summer Recess. If at least 10 Assembly Members are dissatisfied, they may table a motion that the Order be not made and this would then have to be considered again by all Members.
The Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales (CPRW) is a charity which aims to secure the protection and improvement of the rural landscape, environment and the amenities of towns and villages in Wales, whilst recognising the importance of its indigenous cultures. Since its formation in 1928 it has developed into an important voice, both at national and local level.
| CPRW relies on the donations and subscriptions of its supporters for its vital work to protect the landscapes and environments of Wales. CPRW is a registered charity (number 239899). You may donate or subscribe to CPRW | ||
| Tel. 01938
552525 / 01938 556212 |
Fax 01938 552741 | E-mail: info@cprw.org.uk |