POWYS: Protests at Hendy wind farm site

Powys County Council has confirmed that they have received complaints about the developers that has lead to enforcement action taking place.

This month a host of reserved matter applications to alter the conditions of the planning permission have been lodged with Powys County Council.

Until these are agreed, work should not take place.

Protest group "SOS Radnorshire" has highlighted the issue and has been trying to block work taking place there.

They said:  "The developers at Hendy have started work. Four of us blocked the entrance again today with no resistance, just threats to call the police."

The protestors go on to add that officers from Powys CC planning department have visited the site and the protestors urged more people to turn out and protest.

A spokesman for Hendy Windfarm said: “A number of allegations have been made against Hendy Windfarm which are simply untrue.

"Since planning permission was issued on October 25, pre-commencement surveys have taken place and some machinery has been delivered to site to allow enabling works to begin.

"All land rights required for access across the common land are in place.

“We continue to co-operate fully with Powys Council.

"As a responsible developer we are committed to maintaining a constructive relationship with the council and ongoing dialogue with key stakeholders and community representatives.”

Last month the project near Llandrindod Wells  was given the go ahead by the Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs Secretary, Lesley Griffiths.

Ms Griffiths said the benefits of a seven-turbine wind farm outweighed negative possible impacts.

Powys councillors rejected it in April 2017 amid objections about the visual impact in a beauty spot and the threat to a protected public right of way.

A government planning inspector also refused the application.

Once operational it is claimed the  wind farm could generate enough power for 10,000 homes.