Four large-scale wind farm plans rejected by Decc
© Photofusion/Rex Features Plans to build four large-scale onshore wind farms in mid-Wales have been refused by Decc following a public enquiry into the developments.
The proposed sites at Llanbadarn Fynydd, Llaithddu, Llanbrynmair, and Carnedd Wen in Powys were rejected due to the anticipated visual and environmental impacts.
However ScottishPower Renewables was granted consent to “repower” the 31MW Llandinam Windfarm near Newtown, meaning that the 103 turbines originally constructed in 1992 can be replaced with fewer higher output machines.
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Industry body RenewableUK Cymru said the decision to reject the new wind farms was a devastating blow that meant local businesses, communities and landowners would lose out.
“Given the blows the UK government are raining down onto the renewable energy sector on both consents and subsidies, ministers will be heading to the [United Nations] Paris climate discussions with their credibility in tatters.”
Decc has also refused permission for the 970MW capacity Navitus Bay offshore wind farm off the Dorset and Isle of Wight coasts.