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

EPP  262 – Jane Peate

September 23, 2011       

Dear Sir/ Madam,

                                                       Dyfnant Forst Windfarm- EN010014

I am writing to express my serious concerns about the development of Dyfnant Forest Wind Farm.  The consultation  document send to us as residents was completely unacceptable. The map was too small to be informative.  The document failed completely to inform me fully of the proposed development.

Despite the lack of information I received about the location of turbines and their visual impact I have enough understanding to be aware that the building of 35 600-foot turbines in Dyfnant Forest will radically alter the nature of the area. The economy of the area is predominantly based on agriculture and tourism. Residents have invested time and money in developing homes and businesses. Scottish Power obviously are concerned with achieving reduced emission targets set by the government and have absolutely no concerns for those of us who live and work in Mid Wales.

Mid Wales has seen a huge surge in applications for wind farms. Enough is enough. The infrastructure to carry the electricity to the point of use is simply not in place. There has been a complete lack of planning in the process. Important questions have not been addressed. How will these huge turbines reach Dyfnant?  The road around Dyfnant is simply not suitable for heavy vehicles such as those needed for transporting turbines.  Even if such vehicles could navigate the roads they could only do so if the roads were closed. Again severely disrupting the local economy and daily life of residents. How will the power be carried to the point of use?

The visual impact would be massive. The turbines would be visible from England.  Why has Dyfnant been targeted for the development of the tallest turbines in Europe?  How much concrete would be needed to ground one of these turbines?  Some say that turbines may be removed at the end of their short life.   Is the concrete removed? Have any studies been carried out to measure the impact of such a large volume of concrete on the water courses?  The area is rich in peat,  this is a huge store of CO2. Disturbing this would result in an increase of co2 emissions. Llanwddyn Estate which neighbours Dyfnant have spent years reinstating peat bogs . How can this development in such a sensitive area be considered “green”?

The noise created by such turbines would be considerable. Would a clause be included in the planning to allow residents to stop turbines when noise exceeds a certain level?  What action may be available to a resident faced with such noise pollution?  Should they simply move?

Most of all wind power is a complete white elephant. Turbines would not be built without huge subsidy.  Why doesn’t the Government invest in small scale developments rather than subsidising large energy companies?  Smaller turbines, PV panels, thermal solar, ground source heat pumps etc. Projects to encourage the use  renewables where they are needed. There would be no need therefor for pylons. At the end of the day the Government sustainability policy is driven by profit not sustainability. For the good of all of us, this has to change.

                                                                Yours sincerely

Jane Peate