Chris Jackson, RES project manager, states:
"We are astonished that the planning committee has found reasons to reject this project, which was strongly supported by the Council’s professional officers. Mynydd Marchywel Wind Farm lies within an area designated by Welsh Government for renewable energy development. There were no objections from statutory consultees and the planning officer’s report recommended approval. RES has consulted extensively with local people throughout the development phase and we proactively responded to concerns about the scale of development by reducing the scheme from 11 to five turbines.
"At a time when electricity bills are being inflated by global gas demand and the UK is closing down many older and inefficient power stations, the decision to reject a well-designed renewable energy scheme like Mynydd Marchywel Wind Farm is frankly bizarre."
The wind farm would be capable of generating sufficient renewable electricity to meet the average annual requirements of around 10,000 homes. It would also deliver a community benefits package of £57,500 per year – or about £1.4m over the lifetime of the wind farm.This would be divided between a Community Benefit Fund to support local projects and RES’ innovative Local Electricity Discount Scheme (LEDS), which offers a discount of £100 per year off the electricity bills of properties within 1.8km of the proposed wind turbines.
RES’ Head of Development in Wales Richard Evans stated,
"Once again a Welsh Council has missed an opportunity to approve a much-needed renewable energy project that will help to deliver secure and cost effective electricity and associated economic benefits.
"It’s a disappointing reminder that Wales has the lowest approval rate for onshore wind farms in the UK, meaning the massive potential for investment, job creation and community benefits in Wales simply isn’t being allowed to progress."
RES is reviewing the detail of the planning committee’s decision before deciding the next steps for the project.
