Tens of millions of pounds could be shared with the community over decades if two wind farms near a Powys village is given consent to be built, councillors have been told.
Bute Energy is developing proposals for up to 15 wind turbines at Rhiwlas Energy Park and up to seven wind turbines at Banc Du Energy Park, with a maximum blade height of 200m.
Llanidloes Town Council have been told that should the energy park gain consent the community funds available every year will be more than £1 million for 40 years.
Councillors will meet on Monday evening (May 22) with Bute Energy’s National Environment and Culture lead within the community benefit team to discuss the proposals.
OTHER NEWS
- Powys couple say they must demolish picturesque cabin over £9,000 council tax surge
- Award winning Powys gardener returns to Chelsea Flower Show
- BBC's Repair Shop on the lookout for mid Wales items
People in Llanidloes were given the chance last September to learn more about Bute Energy’s plans on sites that are currently a mix of grazing land and hilltop moorland, with some small blocks of forestry.
Bute Energy said it will soon be announcing dates for the next round of consultations, to present the energy park proposals, package of benefits and hear further feedback from communities in advance of the full planning application this year.
Speaking last year, Alasdair Adey, Project Manager at Bute Energy, said: “We believe that Banc Du and Rhiwlas Energy Parks can help unlock and increase renewable energy generation across Wales to help meet Welsh Government net zero targets.”
“We are committed to delivery of wider community benefits, and we will work closely with communities to identify local and regional needs within the area. We are seeking the views of the community into how our community benefit fund takes shape.”
Bute Energy is currently reviewing feedback from its early engagement which closed earlier this month and has plans further consultation this summer for its Nant Mithil Energy Park proposal at Radnor Forest which include a 60-mile network of pylons through Powys.
Want to stay up to date with all the latest stories from Powys? Click here to sign up for our morning and daily email newsletters and click on the + for the ‘Morning Briefing’ and the 'Daily Catch-Up'.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel