TWO town councils in Powys are joining forces over “divisive” plans to develop windfarms in scenic spots near both towns.

Llandrindod Wells Town Council last month told Powys County Council (PCC) it wanted a referendum on controversial proposals by renewable energy developer Bute Energy to build energy parks on a site near the spa town, and another near Builth Wells.

The local authority, however, immediately shot down the request, stating that a Development of National Significance (DNS) – such as windfarms – is handled for the Welsh Government by Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW).

Undeterred, Builth Town Council has now thrown its support behind the referendum idea, telling PCC CEO Emma Palmer its members voted “unanimously” at a recent meeting to back their spa town peers.

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“At the meeting of Builth Wells Town Council last night (April 9) the issue was discussed and members voted unanimously to support Llandrindod Town Council’s call for such a referendum,” Builth mayor Mark Hammond wrote in an email to Ms Palmer.

“The town council feel that it is important for the democratic process and democratic accountability for such a referendum to be held.

“The whole issue is a divisive one for the communities involved and it is deemed necessary for their voices to be heard collectively, as opposed to carefully managed events given by Bute and its subsidiaries.

“I hope you will have time to reconsider your decision, or to ask Powys County Council’s cabinet members to consider the issue, along with all other county councillors.”

County Times: Members of windfarm action group Re-think, and MS James Evans, standing in front of a 1/10 scaled pylon, outside a public event held by Bute Energy in Builth Wells earlier this year. Members of windfarm action group Re-think, and MS James Evans, standing in front of a 1/10 scaled pylon, outside a public event held by Bute Energy in Builth Wells earlier this year. (Image: RE-think)

In originally calling for a referendum on the matter, Llandrindod Town Council said in a statement: “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.”

A spokesperson for the local authority said: “Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) handles DNS applications on behalf of the Welsh ministers, who determine these type of planning applications.

“These are not determined by local planning authorities such as the county council.”

PCC added that as part of the DNS process the council, in its capacity as the local planning authority, can submit a local impact report to PEDW.

There is also a provision allowing town and community councils to submit voluntary local impact reports.

County Times: 'No To Pylons' banners and signs have cropped up around Powys roadsides, including this one just outside Cilmery, near Builth. 'No To Pylons' banners and signs have cropped up around Powys roadsides, including this one just outside Cilmery, near Builth. (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’s latest phase of proposals, announced in November, would see two more energy parks built on sites near Llandrindod and Builth.

The Bryn Gilwern Energy Park could see turbines and associated infrastructure built on Gilwern Hill, north west of Hundred House.

The Aberedw Energy Park would be built on high ground, possibly upon the picturesque Aberedw Hill, just south of Builth.

Combined, the proposed energy parks will have up to 34 turbines with a maximum height of 220 metres at Bryn Gilwern and 200 metres at Aberedw.

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Llandrindod residents, meanwhile, are being encouraged to attend a public meeting later this month regarding proposals.

The meeting will be held at the town’s Pavilion Mid Wales on Tuesday, April 30, from 6.30pm to 9pm.

Email Llandrindod Town Council clerk Jane Johnston on clerk@llandrindodtowncouncil.co.uk for more information.

To voice your opinions to Builth Town Council, email the clerk at clerk@builthwellstowncouncil.org.uk.