A GROUP dead set against a proposed network of energy parks through the heart of Powys say approving them would be “absolutely catastrophic”.
Renewable energy developer Bute Energy’s latest phase of proposals would see parks built on two separate sites at beauty spots surrounding Builth Wells and Llandrindod Wells.
A consultation period for Aberedw Energy Park and Bryn Gilwern Energy Park was held towards the end of 2023, with Bute Energy this week thanking local residents and groups for their feedback and engagement.
However, action group RE-think, set up in the wake of the announcement of Bute’s September 2022 proposals for the Nant Mithil Energy Park in the Radnor Forest, says plans, if green-lighted, would destroy one of the most beautiful parts of Wales.
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“The cumulative effect of these energy parks would be absolutely catastrophic for Wales,” said Jenny Chryss, of RE-think.
“It’s unbelievable they’re even thinking of bringing this forward. I was up walking on Gilwern this week, where people come from all over to visit, and we’re being treated as if it’s a wasteland, when it’s one of the most beautiful parts of Wales.
“To turn round and thank us for engaging is a travesty. We just want them to go away.
“It (the consultation period) smacked of something that needed to be done and they just got it out the way.”
Bute says over 400 people attended three public events, held in Builth, Llandrindod and Penybont.
Following this round of public consultation, all feedback will now be considered, along with reports from environmental and technical surveys, ahead of the next round of public consultation, expected to take place later this year.
James Nicol, project manager at Bute Energy, said: “We are pleased to have spoken to local communities about our plans, and the role that developments like this can play in responding to the climate emergency.
“Thank you to all those who have engaged with us so far, we greatly appreciate people taking the time to let us know their thoughts on our early stage proposals.
“We will take them into account, alongside environmental and technical surveys, ahead of the next round of public consultation.”
Combined, the proposed energy parks will have up to 34 turbines, with a maximum height of 220m at Bryn Gilwern and 200m at Aberedw.
Bute Energy expect to submit a planning application to the Welsh Government in 2025.
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