Montgomeryshire’s AM, Russell George, has reacted with outrage following an announcement by the Minister for Natural Resources, Carl Sargeant, agreeing with the decision of the Planning Inspectorate to overturn Powys County Council’s decision to reject planning applications for the erection of 17 wind turbines at Garreg Lwyd Hill and its associated road works.
Commenting on the decision, Russell George, said:
“I thought Powys Council’s initial decision in refusing the applications for 17 turbines and the associated infrastructure was correct so I’m outraged that the Minister has disregarded the concerns of local people and overturned Powys County Council’s initial decision to reject the planning applications.
"While there are differing views on the merits of onshore wind farms in Mid Wales, this decision will undoubtedly have a significant and detrimental impact bringing further traffic congestion issues in Newtown.
“It is my view that, as a result of this development, over 10,000 ordinary lorry movements will be required to go through the centre of Newtown for these 17 wind turbines to be constructed, and there is also a fear that this decision will set a precedent for other wind farm proposals to use this inappropriate route through Newtown.
“The traffic chaos caused by the proposed route will be horrendous for Mid Wales. My understanding is that vehicles carrying component parts will travel along Pool Road, New Road, Llanidloes Road and then under Nantoer Bridge before going into Mochdre Industrial Estate. A new link will be added joining the estate with the A483 about half a mile after the middle Dolfor junction.
"Any increased congestion on roads which are already choked with traffic is simply unacceptable to justify and there are also concerns about the ability of lorries to go under the Nantoer Bridge after a number of incidents where the trunk road has had to be closed due to lorries getting stuck.
“Contrary to the Inspector’s and the Minister’s view, I am of the view that this disappointing decision to allow these planning applications will have damaging consequences for Mid Wales and it demonstrates a total lack of understanding from the Welsh Government Minister.”