RESIDENTS in and around Llandrindod Wells are being encouraged to attend a public meeting next month regarding proposals to build windfarms and renewable energy parks in the area.

Renewable energy developer Bute Energy’s latest phase of proposals, announced in November, would see two more energy parks built on two separate sites near Llandrindod and Builth Wells.

Llandrindod Town Council said in January it “totally opposes” proposals for Bryn Gilwern Energy Park, which could see turbines and associated infrastructure built on Gilwern Hill, between Llandrindod and Builth, just west of Hundred House.

Llandrindod Wells Town Council is hosting a meeting at the town’s Pavilion Mid Wales on Tuesday, April 30, from 6.30-9pm.

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Last week, we reported how Llandrindod Town Council had voted in favour of requesting a referendum over wind farm developments in Powys – but had already received a response from Powys County Council chief executive Emma Palmer, stating that no referendum will be held.

“The town council believes local people are entitled to have their say on an issue of such great importance and that, without it, democracy will not be seen to be done,” said the town council in a statement.

“It is hoped that Powys county councillors will instigate a meeting to discuss this with a view to holding a vote in the interests of democracy, given the impact to the area and the enormous affect this industrialisation of the countryside will have on the lives of people who live here for decades to come.

“Unfortunately, the chief executive has already stated in her swift response, seemingly on behalf of all county councillors, that no referendum will be held and therefore the democratic process normally witnessed has been set aside by her.

“We now await further responses from our county councillors to gauge their views on this and will begin a process of asking other town and community councils to join with them to apply further pressure on Powys County Council to seek a democratic mandate before any further progress is made.”

County Times: Bute Energy published this list last year of where proposed energy parks would be located in Powys. Bute Energy published this list last year of where proposed energy parks would be located in Powys. (Image: Matt Jones)

A spokesperson for Powys County Council (PCC) said the plans would be decided by Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) , and not the county council.”

County Times: 'No To Pylons' banners and signs have cropped up around Powys roadsides, including this one, since proposals for multiple energy parks first came to light. 'No To Pylons' banners and signs have cropped up around Powys roadsides, including this one, since proposals for multiple energy parks first came to light. (Image: Matt Jones)

A second round of consultation on the Green GEN Towy Usk project, transporting renewable energy from Bute Energy’s flagship Nant Mithil Energy Park in the Radnor Forest near Llandegley to Carmarthenshire, is currently underway, and finishes on May 8.

Bute Energy is hosting a public exhibition as part of its second round of consultation. One event was held in Builth last week. A second will take place at Penybont District Community Centre on Tuesday, April 9, from 2pm to 7pm.

Email Llandrindod Town Council clerk Jane Johnston on clerk@llandrindodtowncouncil.co.uk for more information about the April 30 public meeting.