OBJ/843/
THE MID WALES (POWYS) CONJOINED WIND FARMS PUBLIC INQUIRY
FULL STATEMENT & PROOFS OF EVIDENCE
FROM
TREFEGLWYS COMMUNITY COUNCIL
OBJECTING TO:
“LLANBADARN FYNYDD ” APPLICATION FOR A WIND TURBINE GENERATING STATION
&
“LLAITHDDU ” APPLICATION FOR A WIND TURBINE GENERATING STATION
THE MID WALES (POWYS) CONJOINED WIND FARMS PUBLIC INQUIRY
FULL STATEMENT & PROOF OF EVIDENCE
FROM
TREFEGLWYS COMMUNITY COUNCIL
OBJECTING TO:
“LLANBADARN FYNYDD ” APPLICATION FOR A WIND TURBINE GENERATING STATION & “LLAITHDDU ” APPLICATION FOR A WIND TURBINE GENERATING STATION
Background:
The Trefeglwys Community, which includes the villages of Staylittle and Llawryglyn is nestled in the slopes of the Cambrian Mountains and offers some of the finest and naturally beautiful countryside the British Isles has to offer. The community of Trefeglwys is home to approximately 900 people. It is a location steeped in history and geographical interest and now a peaceful utopia place to live; also a haven for tourism and those interested in the countryside and associated pursuits. This region has rolling hills and the river Trannon flowing through its beautiful valley on its way to its confluence with the River Severn near Caersws. Proof of Evidence: Please see appendices 1(a) and 1(b).
The area currently maintains its sustainability through farming and tourism, as it offers facilities to a wide variety of tourists. We don’t have the current figures but the total visitor spend for Powys in 2011 was £698 million with £395 million spent in Montgomeryshire, Mid-Wales. Therefore, it is imperative for this area to keep its status quo because it is heavily reliant on the tourist industry in order to remain sustainable. Proof of Evidence: Please see appendix 2 The STEAM Report.
Reasons for Objections:
The Trefeglwys Community and its surrounding areas will be under a serious threat if the Llanbadarn Fyndd and LLaithddu applications go ahead. This is because these potential wind farms will not be connecting to an already established electrical transmission route, which means they will require a new route. Therefore, Scottish Power Energy Networks plan to run a brand new high voltage electrical transmission route from these wind farms through various communities including the Trannon Valley in which the Trefeglwys village, its school and many tourist facilities are situated.
Proof of Evidence: Please see appendices 3(a) and 3(b), 3(a) is Scottish Power Energy Network’s map depicting the initial CCI route and 3(b) is their recent consultation map regarding both routes CC1 and CC1d, highlighted in green. On the 3(a) map you will note that the two wind farms in question are marked L1 and L2. Scottish Power has yet to decide which of the two routes they will take. It is considered that either of these routes is totally unacceptable. Whether the new route was to be installed overground or underground, there is still a degree of danger and health risks. In February 2011 a section of underground electricity cable was removed from Newbury paddock after two horses died from reported electric shock. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/horse_racing/940 0599.stm . Proof of Evidence: Please see appendix 4. Many members of the farming fraternity are understandably concerned about this and do not want a cobweb of pylons crossing their land, which in itself can cause danger when they use heavy plant equipment, or if storms bring the power lines down.
If either route goes ahead it will have an extremely negative effect on tourism, as well as the residents of Trefeglwys, its surrounding areas and the communities in-between the above wind farms and Trefeglwys. The pylons will become a dominant eyesore of the landscape and will thus cause obvious harm to the character and appearance of the open countryside by virtue of visual intrusion, and would be uncomfortably close to properties and the school; not to mention the problems, inconvenience and loss of revenue caused by its installation. These reasons are based upon the following:
1. Tourism: The Trannon Valley has become an important tourism centre in Mid Wales. Its attraction relies considerably on the stunning views that can be experienced from the east to west, north and south. These views across the Trannon Valley and all its surrounding areas would be severely compromised by the pylons resulting from the needs of these two wind farm proposals, as they would dominate the landscape.
There are many tourist facilities either running through or overlooking the Trannon Valley, some of these businesses have invested enormously to appeal to the high-end market and they pay a large part in maintaining sustainability within our community and also provide employment. Many others have invested their life savings to set up businesses here that are also reliant on tourism.
www.luxury-lodges-wales.com Luxury Lodges, Trefeglwys: This particular 5 star tourist facility has won several awards including the ‘Green Energy Business Scheme’ Gold award, the prestigious ‘Powys Business Awards 2012’ and TripAdvisor’s 5 Star ‘Certificate of Excellence’. TripAdvisor is the world's largest travel site and this accolade, which honours hospitality excellence, is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on TripAdvisor, and is extended to qualifying businesses worldwide. Approximately 10% of worldwide accommodations listed on TripAdvisor receive this prestigious award and this particular business has won this for three consecutive years. Also, the above business owners are currently To urism Ambassadors for the Cambrian Mountains. Proofs of Evidence: Please see appendices 5 (a), 5(b) and 5(c).
As previously mentioned, these businesses are totally dependent upon the Trannon Valley remaining status quo in order to remain sustainable and provide employment. Proof of Evidence: Please see appendix 6.
2. Mid-Wales Sustainability: Up until 2008 the locality had the benefit of key facilities, including a village shop, post office, petrol station, garage and a pub. The shop and post office closed in 2008. The petrol station and garage were likely to close due to the retirement of the owner.
a. A project was set up by the Community in 2008 to rescue the situation and a Community shop was created (Cwm Trannon). This provides many of the above facilities, together with an Internet Cafe and a Florist. Proof of Evidence: Please see appendix 7.
b. Cwm Trannon also provides for a variety of community activities, which serve the local population and tourism needs. www.cwmtrannon.co.uk . Proof of Evidence: Please see appendix 8.
c. The Mid Wales Shooting Centre, situated in 300 acres, has established itself as one of the premier clay target facilities in the UK, holding annual world championships. It has a clubhouse / restaurant and gun shop. Over the past twenty years, the centre has played host to the World, British, Welsh, and English championships and is host to the world famous Krieghoff 500 classic. It also has a team of professional instructors. One of the power route plans run through this Shooting Centre and the other route will be visible from it. www.midwalesshootingcentre.com Proof of Evidence: Please see appendices 9 (a) & 9 (b).
d. Full Planning Permission has been granted for the construction of 30 touring caravan pitches (now in situ), 10 ‘holiday shooting lodges’, erection of an ablution block and associated works at Mid Wales Shooting Centre. Again, one of the power routes run right through that area also. Proof of Evidence: Please see appendix 10 Powys County Council Planning No: M/2007/0110.
3. Residents and proximity to residential property: Although there is high residential occupancy within the Trefeglwys village itself, the area also extends to properties that are built on elevated ground and most directly face the open view across the Trannon Valley, hence overlooking the new proposed electricity pylon route. For residents of many properties there would be no escape from the visual intrusion of the pylons; this oppressive view would have a severe impact and cause demonstrable harm to the residential amenities enjoyed by these residents.
There are still health concerns for those who live near power lines. High-energy power lines are surrounded by electromagnetic fields. It has been reported that Oxford University discovered that people who live 220 yards from a power line had a 70% chance of suffering a health risk, but that risk was reduced for those who lived farther away. According to Power Line Health Facts power lines may also raise the risk of miscarriage. An article on Reuters examined how power lines affect mental health. The article states that older people who live near power lines have an increased risk of developing senile dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
Many residents who chose to live in Trefeglwys and its surrounding areas for the amenities currently offered have paid a much higher price than other localities for like for like properties. The stunning, breath-taking views have helped put the prices up.
Two separate Property Developers have had plans passed for a further 82 properties to be built within the village, the majority of which will overlook the Trannon Valley. One of these is indigenous and provides employment in the local area. The new pylon route may well have a detrimental effect on price and saleability of new houses and also reduce the prices of existing homes. Proof of Evidence: Please see appendices 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d Powys County Council Planning Refs: M/2001/1041; M2003/0983; M2003/1331 and P/2009/1362 for total erection of 65 dwellings, formation of vehicular access and associated works at Old School and Old Village Memorial Hall, Trefeglwys. Proof of Evidence: Please see appendix 12 Powys County Council Planning Ref: M/2007/0561 for erection of 17 dwellings, formation of vehicular access and associated works at Llwyn Celyn Phase 2 – Trefeglwys.
4. School: The local infant and primary School (Ysgol Dyffryn Trannon) is bilingual and was built only 13 years ago and is on the same campus as the Village Memorial Hall built at the same time.
Pupils attend the school from the village of Trefeglwys, Llanidloes and the surrounding rural areas. The school has grown steadily during the past few years and now has 120 pupils on roll from Reception age to Year 6. There is a significant increase in the number of non-Welsh speaking parents who send their children to the school recognising the benefits of bilingualism.
There is also the ‘Little Acorns’ pre-school on the Ysgol Dyffryn Trannon campus.
This CCI proposed high voltage electrical transportation route also runs along behind the school. The health links to high voltage electrical cables have not yet been disproved. http://www.dyffryntrannon.powys.sch.uk Proof of Evidence: Please see appendix 13
5. Effect on local amenities: The building of this pylon route and its on-going visual impact would have an effect on both residents and visitors alike. Proof of Evidence: Please see appendix 14.
a. Cyclists: The Cambrian Mountains form the spine of Mid Wales. These are crossed by a series of winding roads and narrow lanes, as well as an equally impressive network of off-road trails that draw mountain bikers from all over the country. The area around Mid Wales’ forests, canals and reservoirs provide a safe, virtually traffic-free environment for family cyclists, and two National Cycle Routes 8 & 81 cross the region. There is also 'The Four Saints Ride' that takes you across much of the medieval kingdom of Arwystli. Local cycle clubs and residents regularly use the valley roads and trails. Proof of Evidence: Please see appendices 15 & 16.
b. Birdwatchers and Wildlife enthusiasts : Generations of bird watchers have relaxed in and near the Trannon Valley and enjoyed watching the large numbers of birds and the many different species that live, feed or visit the area. There is an abundance of wildlife with Red Kites, Buzzards, Peregrine Falcons, Ospreys and many more species within the Mid Wales area. The electromagnetic fields around power lines have been shown to alter the paths of birds that use geomagnetic fields to navigate during migration. There also is the risk that larger birds or climbing animals could come in contact with the lines and be electrocuted. Proof of Evidence: Please see appendices 17(a) and 17 (b)
c. Horse-riding : There are some bridleways in the area that are regularly used by local riders, as well as private properties and farms that has equine facilities in Trefeglwys. Proof of Evidence: Please see appendix 18
d. Fishing : The nearby rivers, lakes and reservoirs are popular with anglers of all ages either as individuals or from local fishing groups. Proof of Evidence: Please see appendix 19
e. History: The village churches, St Michael's and Zoar Chapel, and the 17 th century timber framed houses as well as other historical sites attract many visitors. The pylons are proposed to run behind the church and will be within view of some of the timber-framed properties. Proof of Evidence: Please see appendix 20.
f. Walkers: Walkers, including local residents who exercise daily, with or without their dogs enjoy access to various trails through wooded hillside and along the banks of the Trannon with wonderful, panoramic views across the Trannon Valley. These trails, bridleways and paths attract visitors far and wide. They come as individuals, as families and as organized groups at all times of the year and more so during the annual "Across Wales Walk”. For the serious Walkers, these numerous local footpaths have networks to join the Glyndwr's Way National Trail; or the challenging 25 mile Sarn Sabrina circular walk. The current uninterrupted views from these trails would be seriously degraded if the pylon route plans go ahead. Proof of Evidence: Please see appendices 21(a), 21 (b) & 21 (c).
g. Individuals and members of local painting and photographic groups enjoy the variety of subjects presented in the Valley and are pleased to have this facility so close by. The whole Mid-Wales area appeals to artists and photographers both national and international. There is also at local Art Club and facilities to display their art in the Cwm Trannon Events room. Proof of Evidence: Please see appendix 22.
Relaxing and taking in the view is very much part of all the above experiences.
6. Social & economic impact: In both the short term and long term, the new electricity transmission route that is required by these two wind farm proposals, would harm the attraction of Trefeglwys as a place to visit, work, live and enjoy leisure time. The perception of the village as a desirable community could be severely affected and this would have a considerable impact on the future vitality and sustainability of the Trannon Valley and its surrounding areas.
If the ability of businesses, providing the present level of services is depleted, then this would lead to the stagnation or depletion of the local economy and have an adverse impact on the local housing market and school. This is one of the most naturalistic and remote part of Wales and now the landscape has become extremely vulnerable and therefore, must be protected as a legacy to its future generations of inhabitants. The proposed pylon plans would dominate the valley and would totally be catastrophic for this region.
7. Evidence of public opinion: Many of the above issues were raised at two public meetings and also at the Scottish Power Energy Networks events in Mid Wales and on feedback to Scottish Power Energy Networks.
The first public Meeting was organised by Trefeglwys Community Council on 12 th May 2011 and the second public meeting on the 23 rd November 2012 organised by a community group that was formed in response to Scottish Power Energy Networks plans, TRAPP (Trannon Residents Against Power Plans). Both Meetings were held at the Trefeglwys Memorial Hall with high number of attendees. Members of the community have also attended a rally of protest in Cardiff on the 24 th May 2011 and many other meetings in their protest against wind farms and pylons.
It is felt that in both short term and long term there will be unprecedented levels of traffic during construction; total imposition on the local community and potential exposure to health hazards; ruination of conditions favourable to bio- diversity and wildlife; intolerable ruination of landscape and major concerns for the area’s sustainability. Minutes of these meetings can be made available if necessary.
8. Saturation point: Mid-Wales has now become saturated with wind farms – more than enough for the majority of its communities to accept and tolerate. It appears that from every angle one looks, one can usually see a wind farm or two or three! Therefore, the time has come to accept that Mid-Wales has more than complied with having on-shore wind farms in the past and now it is time to move potential wind farm developers elsewhere. The stunning scenery, which very much contributes to the sustainability of Mid-Wales is being grossly eroded by wind farms, their associated works and the insurmountable cobwebs of electrical transmission routes. This increases the element of risk for the Wales Air Ambulance teams to safely land.
The Wales Air Ambulance plays an extremely important role in rural areas such as Mid Wales and for many is a matter of life and death. More wind farms means more turbines, pylons and cables, which in turn creates a higher risk for the Wales Air Ambulance teams and their patients if they can’t land nearby.
It is of utmost importance that the countryside is safe- guarded from devastation and to ensure that any future development of any kind should not be detrimental but preserve these areas. Proof of Evidence: Please see appendix 23.
Conclusion: The Community Council strongly objects to the Llanbadarn Fyndd and Llaithddu wind farm applications being accepted. This is because they do not have links to an existing electricity transportation route but will need a brand new high voltage route installed purely for them to be able to operate. That new route has been designated by Scottish Power Energy Networks to run through the Trannon Valley, which includes the highly populated village of Trefeglwys. This new pylon route will have a negative effect on Trefeglwys, the Trannon Valley, its residents, businesses, farming, and tourism resulting in non-sustainability due to the shortfall of the local economy. This proposal would cause unnecessary discernable detriment to outweigh any other considerations.
All new development should protect the panoramic views and sustainability of Mid Wales. It is fundamentally wrong to permit subsidised companies’ to profit by devastating local communities and deprive local businesses of their livelihood caused by consequent annihilation of much cherished landscapes. These stunningly beautiful areas are one of Britain’s few assets, which help to bring in a substantial income and should be safe-guarded for future generations.
The Trefeglwys Community Council concludes by respectfully requesting the Inquiry Inspector recommends to the Secretary of State refusal of consent for the two above proposed developments at Laithddu and Llanbadarn Fynndd.