RES fails to get planning nod for 11.5-MW wind farm in Wales

Feb 20, 2014 - The Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council has given the thumbs-down to the 11.5-MW Mynydd Marchywel wind farm in South Wales, proposed by UK-based Renewable Energy Systems Group (RES).

In a statement on Wednesday, the developer noted that the scheme was previously supported by the Council’s professional officers and was recommended for approval by the planning officer. RES project manager Chris Jackson stated that the Council’s decision to reject the project was “bizzare”. Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council’s reasons for turning down the planning application were not provided.

The Mynydd Marchywel wind park is planned for private land between the villages of Rhos, Crynant and Cilfrew. Initially, RES wanted to erect 11 turbines at the site but later reduced the number of the machines to five, each of 2.3 MW, following community consultations. The output of the facility was estimated to be enough to supply about 10,000 households, according to the developer’s calculations. A community benefits package of GBP 57,500 (USD 96,000/EUR 70,000) per year was also included in the project proposal.

RES is currently reviewing the details of the planning committee’s decision before considering the next steps for the project, it said.

(GBP 1.0 = USD 1.665/EUR 1.215)

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