Protesters' joy as wind turbine bid is rejected.
A packed gallery of wind power protesters saw their wish come true as Swansea planning chiefs firmly rejected the Mynydd y Gwair wind farm application.
All but one of the councillors present supported their officers' recommendation to object to the scheme — and then added further reasons.
However, developer RWE npower renewables lodged an appeal prior to yesterday's meeting because the authority took so long to "determine" the application, meaning it will be decided by an Assembly-inspector following an inquiry in July.
Councillors lined up to voice their opposition to the 19-scheme north of Felindre on traffic, disruption, visual impact and intermittent power-generating grounds, among others.
They were told the wind farm would take 22 months to construct, require 88,000 tonnes of stone for nearly 14km of service roads, with 172 "abnormal" lorry loads needed to transport the 127m turbines to the site. The turbines would generate electricity for 28,100 average households, and have a 25-year life-span. Councillor Wendy Fitzgerald said her Penllergaer ward would suffer huge disturbance due to extra construction and installation traffic.
She said: "Mynydd y Gwair would be turned into a mass of concrete. I do think we should beef up our objections."
Councillor John Miles felt the wind farm's location was "totally unacceptable", its cost "totally illogical", and its greenhouse gas emission savings negligible.
Earlier, Glyn Morgan, chairman of campaign group SOCME (Save Our Common Mountain Environment), said Mynydd y Gwair had important grazing value as well as being a place of quiet contemplation.
"This beautiful, virgin landscape will be turned into a building site," he said. "Is it really worth it? It is worth it for the developer and the landowner. Wind farms are heavily subsidised."
Councillor Paxton Hood-said there was a strong case for renewable energy, but felt there was argument among the scientific community about climate change.
Councillor Mark Child, the scheme's lone supporter, said he found wind farms quite inspiring, and urged fellow members to send a message about backing renewable schemes.
He added: "There is a bigger picture. Our globe is warming - that is a fact. Carbon dioxide levels are at record levels. Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases cause global warming. I think only scientists on the fringe argue with that."
Councillors objected on the grounds the turbines were 27m higher than guidelines for the area, their visual and landscape impact was unacceptable, and the proposed route for construction traffic was inadequately justified.
Water supply, ecological, agricultural and recreation concerns were also noted.
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by Steve Jones, Uplands
Saturday, January 23 2010, 9:34PM
“Linda, Neath - I said they were there to represent us, but I should also have said that most politicians have forgotten that that's why they were elected. I'm not stupid enough to believe that they actually do represent us. My comment was in reference to someone saying he thought governments should ignore our views. I don't think they should. I think they should represent our views.”
by Steve Jones, Uplands
Saturday, January 23 2010, 9:30PM
“john, swansea - I've never heard such rubbish in my life. Check the figures. The country with the highest number of children born per woman is Nigeria with an average of just over 7 per woman. If the average is 7 and we can assume that most women have at least 3 or 4 children, then the range that is typical is probably 3-10. The average would be much higher if 20 was common. Yes I know all about them having children to look after them, blah, blah, blam. I'm not as uneducated as you. I check my facts before making comments. I think you are racist, because like many others on here, your comments are always aimed at coloured people or East Europeans.”
by Paul, West Cross
Saturday, January 23 2010, 1:13PM
“Another excellent decision from Swansea's LibDem/Ind Councillors: Their expertise and professional standards are the envy of many and this landmark ruling must rank pretty close to other noteworthy examples of 21st century finking.
John Etherington's book: The way Mr. Etherington erects Aunt Sallys and then knocks them down is unequalled and his climate change denying must make Sarah Palin wet herself. It is no surprise that Etherington gets quoted on the "Supporters Of Nuclear Energy" (SONE) website.”
by Jane, Swansea
Saturday, January 23 2010, 11:49AM
“Wind power is a total waste of time. It's contribution to the overall power needs of Britain is negligible. Green power? I think not - how do they manufacture and dispose of the decommissioned turbines- using magic? In the last spell of cold weather it was reported nationally that the contribution of wind power to the demand was less than one tenth of one percent. It's useless and is only being promoted as 'green' way as the turbines are quick to construct and it enables authorities to look as if they are meeting targets. They are a useless eyesore. Wales is a net exporter of electricity - we don't need any wind farms at all in Wales to meet our needs.”
by geoff, Westcross
Saturday, January 23 2010, 11:01AM
“WINDBAG
Why would they put these windfarms where forests are currently standing????
there is a lot of open land on the welsh mountains without even thinking of ripping up the forests
You are not a nice person and also a scare mongerer”