Windfarm wins go-ahead despite objections

CONTROVERSIAL plans for another windfarm on Denbigh Moors have been given the go-ahead by the Welsh Government.

The decision by Lesley Griffiths, the Secretary for energy, planning and rural affairs, is at odds with the recommendation of planning inspector Kay Sheffield who had previously upheld Denbighshire council’s refusal to allow the development.

Pant y Maen Windfarm Limited want to erect seven turbines near Llyn Bran, alongside the A543 road over the moors.

One of the council’s main objections was the impact on the landscape, especially from the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley area of outstanding natural beauty, 19 miles away on the opposite side of the Vale of Clwyd.

Ms Sheffield agreed with the authority that the turbines, 518 metres above sea level, would be clearly visible against the backdrop of the Snowdon Horseshoe, spoiling the view for walkers along the Offa’s Dyke footpath.

The company argued that the impact would be only “medium” and that the main elements of the view would not be affected.

Among other objectors were CADW, the body responsible for ancient monuments, who expressed concern about the effect on the view from and of nearby Bronze Age barrows, or burial mounds.

In 2008 a lengthy legal battle over plans for a larger windfarm on a nearby site at Llyn Brenig ended with the Court of Appeal finally upholding the council’s rejection of the scheme – and that was a major consideration with the present proposal.

Dismissing the latest appeal, Ms Sheffield said: “I have concluded that the development would cause harm to the landscape and visual amenity.”