Montgomeryshire Assembly Member, Russell George, has written to Powys County Council opposing a planning application submitted by a wind farm developer to upgrade roads in and around Newtown, so that large wind turbine components can pass through the town to a proposed wind farm site yet to be developed.
The application to allow highway upgrades and associated works on third party land between Newtown and the proposed Garreg Lwyd Hill Wind Farm, has been made by RES Renewable Energy Company in order to facilitate the deliveries of abnormal indivisible loads (AILs) to the proposed site which has yet to be given the go ahead.
Three potential options are being explored within this application, one of which could see extremely long, heavy goods vehicles pass through the Treowen housing estate and right by the local primary school.
Mr George has expressed his dismay that such an application has been made given the challenges that exist with the town’s current traffic problems.
Commenting, Mr George said:
“There are a number of reasons why I believe this application should not be permitted.
“I am strongly against the proliferation of onshore wind farms in Montgomeryshire which would lead to the industrialisation of the beautiful Mid Wales landscape.
“But also having been involved over a number of years in trying to solve the traffic management problems that currently exist within and surrounding the centre of Newtown, I believe if any of the three options relating to this application are passed, the cumulative impact of having a large volume of AILs from this potential wind farm development, would have a detrimental impact not just on the residents and businesses of Newtown but throughout the region.
“I have also noted the response Dyfed Powys Police have submitted to Powys Council, reiterating similar traffic management concerns, along with the significant road safety implications that transporting AILs on any of these potential routes would bring.”
Local MP, Glyn Davies, has also expressed his incredulity regarding the application. He added:
“As far as I’m concerned, all the proposals contained in this application are completely unacceptable.
“All of the options would cause huge inconvenience to people in Newtown and thought out Mid Wales.
“I hope that the Planning Committee will realise the havoc that this application will cause and will refuse it.”