Environment and Sustainability Committee
Inquiry into Energy Policy and Planning in Wales

EPP 79 – Paul, Laura and Richard Barnes and Louise Lloyd

Dear Sir/Madam

Inquiry into Energy Policy and Planning in Wales Consultation Process – Feedback

I believe that the energy policy in Wales and the UK is flawed and requires a total review for the following reasons:

1. The economy of Wales will be adversely affected by planning policy surrounding wind farms. This will lead to

a. Reduced tourism leading to major job losses

b. Roads blocked and damaged by transporting turbines and infrastructure

c. House prices and business values reduced leading to school closures and people moving from the area

2. Increased health risk from sub-station and pylons (Draper Report)

3. Technical Advice Note 8 (TAN 8) should be scrapped. The overall cumulative effect of wind farm and pylon infrastructure is not considered in any of the planning policies

4. On shore wind turbines are less efficient than other forms of renewable energy such as solar, off-shore, digesters etc.

5. Wind turbines and pylons ruin our landscape and our environment and cause

a. Increased flooding

b. Deforestation

c. Noise pollution

d. Negative visual impact

e. Light pollution from Aircraft warning lights visible for miles at night

6. Wind Farms and the associated infrastructure have an extreme impact on the environment versus negligible lifetime carbon efficiency (less than 6%) and therefore should not be considered a viable energy alternative.

7. Other technology such as the latest nuclear reactors or the Severn Barrage proposal should be considered before wind farms

In conclusion I am opposed to the current energy policy and planning process in Wales.

Name: Paul Barnes

Laura Barnes

Richard Barnes

Chris Barnes

Louise Lloyd

Kate Seber

Helen Barnes

Kylie Westwood