Monday, March 14th, 2011

Plaid welcomes Wind Farm ‘Buffer Zone’ Acceptance

Plaid Cymru County Councillor for Llanfihangel-ar-Arth Ward, Linda Davies-Evans, and Carmarthen East & Dinefwr AM Rhodri Glyn Thomas  have welcomed the County Council’s backing for a 1.5km ‘buffer zone’ between wind turbines and residential dwellings.

The motion was present by Cllr. Davies-Evans during a meeting of full council which was deciding the content of the Council’s Planning Consultation document.  Although not yet formal policy, the Plaid Cymru representatives said the backing of the full council to consult on the 1.5km scale symbolises acceptance that the current 500m ‘buffer’ is not adequate.

Welcoming the decision Cllr. Davies-Evans said:

“My role as a Councillor has been dominated by wind farms for the past eighteen months.

“Despite operating for over a year, residents are still plagued by the noise the turbines generate.  It has taken a significant period of time for the turbine owners to do anything about our concerns and there are still several issues outstanding.

“I am concerned by the potential for more wind farms in the area and the additional effects on residents they will bring.

“I am therefore pleased the council has accepted my position that a buffer of 500metres is not adequate to protect residents and will consult on extending the separation distance between turbines and dwellings to 1.5km”.

 

Rhodri Glyn Thomas added:

“My position on renewable energy has never changed and I remain fully supportive of wind power.  However I will always advocate for large scale wind farm developments to be erected off-shore, as off-shore technology has been proven to be more efficient. 

“In saying that, Cllr. Davies-Evans and I have worked very closely to represent the concerns of our constituents regarding the turbines.   Never in my 12 years as an Assembly Member has an issue been so dominant in my surgeries. 

 “The national guidance on acceptable noise levels was written 14 years ago during which time turbines have increased substantially in size.  My constituency colleague, Jonathan Edwards MP, is lobbying hard in Westminster for a review of this policy.

“Last year, I specifically asked the local authority to adopt a unique 2km policy.  I therefore sincerely welcome the acceptance amongst council members that the current 500metres buffer zone simply isn’t protecting residents.

“I urge all residents to respond to the council consultation and ensure their voice is heard.”

ENDS/DIWEDD

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