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

EPP 166 – Ann Yewdall

Dear Environment and Sustainability Committee,

I would like to write of offer my view that the TAN 8 process is out of date and not fit for purpose.

Especially in regard to the proposed plans for the Mid-Wales region.

Overall there is a total disregard for the visual amenity of the area.

Mid Wales is blessed with beautiful views and hitherto unspoilt countryside; something that huge wind turbines and all their associated infrastructure will damage tremendously. This infrastructure will bring about a fundamental change in landscape character.

Large tracts of forest are at risk and the consequential damage to the environment as a result of TAN 8 approved projects

is an area that needs thorough attention.

There has been no environmental study into the direct and indirect consequences of a TAN 8 project and this is an area of substantial oversight.

Combined with the cumulative effects of noise pollution from the wind farms, the study of which is outdated (ETSU R1997) for current and planned turbines,

the depreciation of property value due to visual and infrastructure developments and the health risks from overhead transmission cabling (Draper report 2005) TAN 8 is left fundamentally unfit for purpose and horrifically outdated.

Alongside the environmental and visual aspects of the TAN 8 developments in the Mid Wales region the social, economic and transport effects will be heavy and long term. 

The largest of these aspects is an economic one; tourism. Tourism is big business in Mid Wales. It has an annual value to the region of £650 million. It employs over 6000 directly and thousands more in the wider local economy. It is a vital and positive force in a rural area and it's continued success is directly linked to the accessibility, visual appeal and unspoilt nature of the region. Massive development of TAN 8 approved projects and their supporting infrastructure will undeniably damage and erode this to a point that will have dire long term consequences for the region. I am the owner of a small hardware business in the area  and up to 78% of  our annual trade is from tourism. It is a very important part of our local economy.

The knock on effect of a depreciation in house prices in the affected communities will be felt by schools and other local services that depend on people wanting to stay in the area for their own continued existence. This is a direct affect on ordinary peoples lives and their communities.

TAN 8 does not directly assess or allow for the transport demands of large scale wind farm infrastructure production on an underdeveloped rural traffic network. Rural communities and the regions towns will feel the dual burden of increased traffic volume and its associated delays. Construction traffic, abnormal loads and massive slow moving convoys will hit an area that depends on it's transport connections for trade and social mobility.

Overall I would strongly urge the committee to challenge the current legislative processes associated with TAN 8 and push for a total rethink in regards the development and deployment of wind farm infrastructure across Mid Wales. The Welsh Assembly government has a duty and obligation to protect the people, the landscape and the beauty of Wales from poorly conceived, out dated and destructive developments such as those allowed by TAN 8. Green energy profit should not come at the expense of the Welsh countryside and those who live there.

Ann Yewdall, Tom Yewdall, Mary Bunner, Linda Watkin, Toby Hodgson

and all the Staff at R H Bunner & Son Ltd.