As public opposition grows daily to Wales’ uplands being covered with wind turbines, CPRW has challenged the Minister of the Environment, Planning and Countryside, Carwyn James and the Minister of Economic Development, Andrew Davies to test their beliefs that onshore wind generation is the best focus for Wales’ future renewable energy plans, in a more open manner.

With the Assembly Government having received over 1700 representations to its recent proposals to convert the uplands of Wales into industrial wind power stations and the numbers of AMs and MPs recognising the folly of the Assembly Government’s proposals increasing , CPRW’s Director Peter Ogden has challenged the Ministers to test the credibility of their proposals more fairly and openly;

“The strength of public reaction about the loss of the Wales’ landscape heritage is mounting and is undoubtedly a measure of the rejection of the Ministers’ proposals. If they are brave enough, they should allow public opinion about Wales’ future Renewable energy agenda to be tested openly and fairly by means of a Public Inquiry.

If any other such controversial and far reaching planning policies or proposals were being promoted by an individual or a Local Authority they would automatically be the subject of close scrutiny at a Public inquiry. Why are the Assembly any different and more importantly why are they not prepared to abide by the same rules which apply to others ?”

CPRW’s objections to the trading of Wales’ uplands for wind power schemes has been echoed recently by MP Kim Howells who branded the growth of wind farms

“… as madness… This is not a good way to generate as they call it – “green energy” - and it’s a visual pollution on the landscapes of Wales”

CPRW’s challenge to the Ministers is also echoed by Roger Williams MP for Brecon and Radnor who has likewise written to Carwyn Jones and believes

“By its nature TAN 8 is unlike any other national Planning Guidance, as it identifies specific areas for development. As such those affected and other interested bodies should have the right to call for a public inquiry on this matter”

For further information please contact Peter Ogden, Director, on 01938 552525

CPRW has unequivocally rejected the Assembly Government’s recent proposals to designate seven Strategic Search areas across Wales for the development of industrial sized wind farms. It challenges the legitimacy of the current draft policy approach contained in the MIPPS and TAN 8 document.

CPRW considers that the current approach inescapably builds towards the self fulfilling target of generating 800 MW of renewable energy from onshore wind power sources and its unjustified imbalance with the 200 MW power generation from the offshore wind resources.

CPRW reasons for seeking a radical reappraisal of the current approach are summarised as follows.
1. The MIPPS fails to reflect sound land use planning principles and practices
2. The legitimacy of the 2010 renewable energy target is not proven.
3. The balance of future renewable energy provision is distorted.
4. The contribution that offshore wind power can offer is misrepresented.
5. The contribution offered by energy conservation measures and other renewable
technologies is unfairly dismissed.
6. The approach does not give due recognition to the value of the landscapes of
Wales.
7. The approach does not conform to the sustainability standards set by the
Assembly’s own Strategic Environmental Assessment Regulations.
8. The approach conflicts with the Assembly’s other sustainable policies.
9. The authoritarian approach contravenes the principles of the Århus Convention.
 

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.

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