Garn Fach
Feedback Summary on Public Information Days 21-23 January 2020
Report on public information days 21-23 January 2020
1 Document Control
SIGN OFF
Name (Role) Signature Date
Sarah Jones (Cadno Comms Ltd) February 2020
Preparation
Angharad Davies (Cadno Comms Ltd) February 2020
Check
Simon Morgan (EDF R) February 2020
Approval
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Contents 1 Document Control ...... 2 2 Executive summary ...... 5 3 Introduction ...... 6 3.1 Background ...... 6 3.2 Locations ...... 6 3.3 Format ...... 7 3.4 Bilingualism ...... 7 4 Marketing ...... 7 4.1 Marketing methods ...... 7 5 Feedback ...... 9 5.1 Methodology ...... 9 5.2 Number of feedback forms completed ...... 9 5.3 Section 1. The exhibition ...... 10 5.4 Section 2. About yourself ...... 12 5.5 Section 3. The project ...... 14 5.6 Section 4. Future exhibitions ...... 16 5.7 Section 5. Do you have any further comments or questions in relation to the wind farm proposal? ...... 16 5.8 Key themes ...... 16 6 Conclusions & Recommendations ...... 18 6.1 Conclusions ...... 18 6.2 Recommendations ...... 19 7 Appendices...... 20 7.1 Appendix 1: Feedback form ...... 20 7.2 Appendix 2: Press release ...... 22 7.3 Appendix 3: Flyer ...... 24 7.4 Appendix 4: Poster ...... 25 7.5 Appendix 5: Information leaflet ...... 26 7.6 Appendix 6: Exhibition boards ...... 28 7.7 Appendix 7: Map of venues ...... 30 7.8 Appendix 8: Social media ...... 31
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Figures Figure 1 : Llanbadarn Fynydd ...... 6 Figure 2 : A poster for the Garn Fach PIDs on the noticeboard at Llandinam Village Hall ...... 7 Figure 3 : Abbeycwmhir...... 8 Figure 4 : Abbeycwmhir...... 9 Figure 5 : Llandinam ...... 9 Figure 6 : Garn Fach site map...... 13 Figure 7 : Map of postcode data ...... 13 Figure 8 : 3D modelling...... 17 Tables Table 1 : Summary of feedback ...... 5 Table 2 : Schedule of PIDs ...... 6 Table 3 : Number of feedback forms completed ...... 9 Table 4 : Are you supportive of the Garn Fach wind farm proposal? ...... 15
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2 Executive summary
In January 2020 EDF R held five drop-in Public Information Days (PIDs) to share information on Garn Fach wind farm which was publicly announced on 9th January 2020. The events were held in five communities local to the site: Abbeycwmhir, Dolfor, Pantydwr, Llanbadarn Fynydd and Llandinam.
Attendees were invited to find out more about Garn Fach, ask questions, share their views, learn more about the local benefits and tackling climate change, view interactive 3D modelling and meet the team. Attendees were encouraged to complete a feedback form to capture their views on the project, the exhibition, and future exhibitions, as well as capturing demographic information.
The PIDs were attended by a total of 278 people, of which 147completed feedback forms (52.5%). The vast majority of attendees were over the age of 50 (71%), with only 5% under 29.
Attendees overwhelmingly reported that they found the exhibition useful and informative (97.1%).
On the feedback form there were a number of questions relating to the project itself, and renewables more generally. Table 1 : Summary of feedback
SUMMARY OF FEEDBACK
Question Total number of Yes No Unsure responses
Are you concerned 134 86.6% 4.5% 8.9% about the effects of climate change?
Do you support the 135 80% 4.5% 15.5% generation of renewable energy in Powys?
Do you support the 137 70.8% 8.8% 20.4% development of onshore wind farms?
Are you supportive of 135 66.7% 12.6% 20.7% the Garn Fach wind farm?
Are you interested in 123 80.5% 19.5% 0% local ownership in the project and community benefits?
There were a number of key issues and concerns raised both on the feedback forms and verbally with the project team, including grid connection, infrastructure and route, the visual impact of turbines, noise, environmental and recreational impacts, and construction access and transportation of components to site.
Overall, EDF R found the exercise helpful and informative and resolved to host a second round of PIDs in the summer, when the project has progressed and further information is available to share, especially on grid connection and transport issues. The 3D modelling was very popular and will be a key feature of future exhibitions. EDF R resolved to improve its engagement with young people, and give further consideration to the timings of events, with people favouring evening sessions.
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3 Introduction
3.1 Background
On 21, 22 and 23 January 2020 EDF R held five drop-in Public Information Days (PIDs) to share information on Garn Fach wind farm which was publicly announced on 9th January 2020. Although it is not a statutory requirement to undertake this form of informal engagement, as a responsible developer, it is EDF R’s normal practice to do so, with formal statutory pre-application consultation taking place shortly before submission of the final application.
Cadno Communications Ltd (Cadno) was appointed to manage the PIDs. Cadno worked closely with EDF R to plan and deliver the PIDs. 3D Webtech provided the computerised 3D modelling software and hosted this element of the exhibition. Renewable energy consultants, Dulas Ltd, responsible for managing the environmental assessments also attended.
The aim of the PIDs was to provide local residents with an opportunity to:
• Meet the team and find out more about Garn Fach
• Share their views and ask questions
• Learn more about the local benefits and tackling climate change
• View interactive 3D computerised models of the turbines
3.2 Locations Figure 1 : Llanbadarn Fynydd The PIDs were held in five locations chosen based on their proximity to the site and taking into account advice from the local farming families involved in the project. The venues were selected because they are well-known and well-used, are accessible in terms of car parking, access and size, and offered appropriate facilities. A schedule of the events is below. A map of the locations is at Appendix 7. Table 2 : Schedule of PIDs
SCHEDULE OF PIDs
Date Time Area Venue name and address
Tuesday 21 January 09.30 – 13.30 Dolfor Dolfor Community Hall 2020 Dolfor, Newtown SY16 4BN
Tuesday 21 January 15.00 – 19.00 Llandinam Llandinam Village Hall 2020 Llandinam SY17 5BY
Wednesday 22 09.30 – 13.30 Llanbadarn Fynydd Wellingtonia Community Centre January 2020 A483 LD1 6YA
Wednesday 22 15.00 – 19.00 Pant y Dwr Pantydwr - St Harmon Parish Hall January 2020 Pant-Y-Dwr, Rhayader LD6 5LL
Thursday 23 January 09.30 – 13.30 Abbeycwmhir Abbeycwmhir Village Hall/ Phillips Hall 2020 Abbeycwmhir, Llandrindod Wells LD1 6PH
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3.3 Format
Staff from EDF R, EDF Energy, Cadno, Dulas Ltd, and 3D Webtech attended all events.
Exhibition boards were erected in each of the halls consisting of nine panels of information.
Information leaflets were provided to attendees.
Attendees were encouraged to view the 3D model.
A feedback form was offered to all attendees and they were encouraged to complete the feedback form (Appendix 1).
A tally was kept of the number of attendees who attended each PID.
Attendees at all events were offered refreshments.
3.4 Bilingualism
All materials were produced in a bilingual format with Welsh on one side and English on the other side. Welsh and English speaking members of staff attended each of the PIDs. 4 Marketing
The events were marketed in the following ways:
• Press release
• Flyer to households
• Poster
• Information leaflet
• Social media Figure 2 : A poster for the Garn Fach PIDs on • Website and email address the noticeboard at Llandinam Village Hall The feedback form asked where people had heard about the PIDs so we could evaluate the effectiveness and reach of these methods.
4.1 Marketing methods
4.1.1 Press release
The press release (Appendix 2) was distributed to the following:
Press • Mid Wales for Cymru Fyw (the Welsh language online BBC) • Powys County Times and Express • ITV Mid Wales • Shropshire Star • Industry press • Brecon & Radnor Express Political stakeholders • The Cambrian News • AM and MP Brecon and Radnor • Oswestry & Border Counties Advertiser • AM and MP Montgomeryshire • Mid Wales Journal • Regional AMs • Hereford Times • Leader of Powys County Council • Western Mail
• BBC Mid Wales Correspondent
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• Powys County Council Portfolio Holder for • Welsh Planning Inspectorate Economic Development, Housing and • Abbeycwmhir Community Council Regulatory Services • Llandinam Community Council • Officers in Powys County Council • Llanbadarn Fynydd Community Council • Officers in Welsh Government energy, regional and planning teams • Mochdre with Penstrowed Community Council
• Minister’s office • Kerry Community Council
4.1.2 Flyer to households
A double-sided, A5 flyer (Appendix 3) was sent via Royal Mail to every household within a 10km radius. This totalled 7095 households. It was sent to arrive in households from 9 January 2020 onwards (the date of the public announcement).
4.1.3 Poster
A poster was produced and printed in A4 and A3 (Appendix 4). Local contacts at the venues hosting the PIDs and community councils were asked to display posters at the venue and other appropriate venues locally. (See Figure 1)
4.1.4 Information leaflet
A5 booklets (Appendix 5). Available at the PIDs. Distributed remaining leaflets after the PIDs to the following venues and asked them to be made available to the public:
• Dolfor Inn, Dolfor
• Llanidloes Library
• Maldwyn Leisure Centre, Newtown
• Newtown Library
• Reception, Powys County Hall
• Rhayader Library Figure 3 : Abbeycwmhir 4.1.5 Social media
Community Councils and venues hosting the public information days were provided with an electronic version of the poster and were asked to share it on their website and social media where available. A selection of posts are shown at Appendix 8.
4.1.6 Project website and email address The website www.edf-re.uk/our-sites/garn-fach and email address [email protected] went live on 9 January. Details of the website and email address were provided on all print collateral. It was made clear to all attendees at the PIDs that a dedicated website and email address were available. Up until 10 February 2020 www.edf-re.uk/our-sites/garn-fach had been visited over 420 times.
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5 Feedback
5.1 Methodology
The feedback form was designed to obtain views under five main headings: the exhibition, about the person, the project, future exhibitions, further comments or questions. A section was included at the end where respondents could provide their contact information if they wished to receive information about future public exhibitions.
The questions linked closely to the aims of the PIDs (see section 1).
NOTE: The qualitative information presented here refers to written comments provided by attendees using the feedback forms. All the issues raised using the feedback forms were also discussed verbally with event staff.
5.2 Number of feedback forms completed Table 3 : Number of feedback forms completed
NUMBER OF FEEDBACK FORMS COMPLETED
Community Attendance Feedback forms completed (% of attendees)
Dolfor 51 33 (64.7%)
Llandinam 69 28 (40.6%)
Llanbadarn Fynydd 33 20 (60%)
Pantydwr 67 37 (55.2%)
Abbeycwmhir 58 29 (50%)
Total 278 147 (52.5%)
Figure 4 : Abbeycwmhir Figure 5 : Llandinam
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5.3 Section 1. The exhibition
5.3.1 Where did you find out about the wind farm exhibition?
5.3.2 Overall, has the exhibition been useful and informative?
2.9%
5.3.3 If not please tell us why and what we can do better at future exhibitions?
Three people requested more detail about grid connection. Two people wanted more detail generally.
Other issues raised included: Would have liked photos of the area, exhibition in Bwlch y Sarnau next time, information about access roads, confirmation bridleways will be kept.
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5.3.4 Were the information boards clear?
1.4%
5.3.5 Were EDF R staff able to answer your questions?
5.3.6 Did you find the interactive 3D software modelling showing the visual effects of the proposed wind farm from different angles and viewpoints helpful?
3%
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5.3.7 Are you likely to attend future public exhibitions on the Garn Fach wind farm proposal?
5.1%
5.3.8 Are you interested in local ownership in the project and community benefits?
5.4 Section 2. About yourself
5.4.1 Are you a local resident or visitor to the area?
6.9%
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5.4.2 If you’re a resident please provide your postcode, so we can analyse whether we’re reaching local people.
Figure 6 : Garn Fach site map Figure 7 : Map of postcode data
5.4.3 Are you here as a representative of any organisation or group?
5.4.4 If so, which organisation?
Abbey-cwm-hir Heritage Trust, Adventa, Beguildy Community Council, BHS, Community Council, CPRW, Davies family, Llanbister Community Hall, Llandinam Community Council (2 people), megalithicstudies.co.uk, National Trust (3 people), Open Newtown (2 people), PCC (Powys County Council), Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO) (2 people), Robert Owen Community Bank, Share Energy Coop (2 people), Village Hall Abbeycwmhir, Welsh Government.
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5.4.5 What age category do you fall into?
3.5% 5% 4.3%
5.5 Section 3. The project
5.5.1 Are you concerned about the effects of climate change?
4.5%
9.0% Yes Unsure No 86.6%
5.5.2 Do you support the generation of renewable energy in Powys?
4.4%
15.6% Yes Unsure No 80.0%
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5.5.3 Do you support the development of onshore wind farms?
8.8%
20.4% Yes Unsure No 70.8%
5.5.4 Are you supportive of the Garn Fach wind farm proposal?
20.7%
Yes No 12.6% Unsure 66.7%
Table 4 : Are you supportive of the Garn Fach wind farm proposal?
ARE YOU SUPPORTIVE OF THE GARN FACH WIND FARM PROPOSAL?
Feedback forms Yes No Unsure Not answered Community Attendance completed
Dolfor 51 33 20 6 6 1
Llandinam 69 28 19 2 4 3
Llanbadarn Fynydd 33 20 15 1 2 2
Pantydwr 67 37 14 7 12 4
Abbeycwmhir 58 29 22 1 4 2
Total 278 147 90 (61.2%) 17 (11.6%) 28 (19%) 12 (8.2%)
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5.5.5 Have you ever visited a wind farm?
0.7%
16.7% Yes No Unsure 82.6%
5.6 Section 4. Future exhibitions
Written feedback was very positive about the venues chosen. Twelve people indicated in writing that the same venues should be selected for future exhibitions, whilst three people suggested holding a future event in Bwlch y Sarnau, and one person suggested Llandrindod.
Six people requested that events are held in the evening for people who are in work during the day.
5.7 Section 5. Do you have any further comments or questions in relation to the wind farm proposal?
This provided a free text box for respondents. Of the 147 feedback forms received, 86 forms provided a response to this question. Actions were noted and followed up by the project team. The responses have been grouped into key themes:
5.8 Key themes
5.8.1 Grid connection
“It's disappointing that at this stage you don't know where the site will potentially link with the National Grid.”
“I was not able to get a definitive answer regarding the possibility/likelihood of the construction of pylons. I would be very concerned if this were the case.”
Six respondents requested more information about grid connection, with specific concerns about the use of metal pylons1. In general, attendees were keen to see more detail on the route, connection points and type of infrastructure, a. Two people specified that they would want the energy to stay locally.
In verbal conversations with attendees, EDF R responded by explaining that discussions about grid were underway with the relevant companies and a formal grid application was in the process of being submitted. More detailed information about connection points and potential grid routes would be available at future public exhibitions.
1 Whilst the numbers raising grid connection in writing on the feedback forms is relatively low, the number of people asking about grid connection verbally was far greater. Some were concerned about grid infrastructure and grid route, whilst others were curious and simply seeking the information.
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5.8.2 Visual impact
“3D software modelling particularly useful.”
Eight respondents raised the visual impact of turbines, including concern about the height of turbines. Three people noted that they found the 3D modelling useful, with one person suggesting it would be useful if it was available online.
Figure 8 : 3D modelling
5.8.3 Noise
“My main concern is the impact on the health of local residents due to cumulative noise vibrations at turbine sites and more importantly at the properties within the valley.”
Seven people raised concerns about the potential impact of noise on the health of local residents.
5.8.4 Local environment and recreation
“Need to find balances between need for renewables and the visual/environmental/amenity impacts of the turbines and the grid connections.”
Eight people mentioned concern for local wildlife and the environmental impact in general. Specifically, birds, bats, curlew, little owls. Two people raised the need for conservation of local historic sites, namely Fowler’s Armchair and archaeological remains at the site. Five people raised concerns about disruption to existing bridleways.
Two people saw the project as an opportunity to develop active travel routes in the area.
“Regeneration needs to be considered in view to maximising the opportunity of the possible restructure of where the turbines will be positioned - this can reconnect local communities, promote active travel initiative e.g. cycle/walking routes/outdoor play area/picnic sites/lookout centres etc.”
5.8.5 Construction access and transport
“Very concerned about access of construction traffic along narrow roads in area. Both disturbing access and environmental issues to wildlife - no one able to answer!!”
Construction access and transport was raised by four people in the feedback forms, and more frequently in verbal conversations. EDF R’s response to questions about transport and access was that the turbine components would be brought into the UK via Liverpool and come along major trunk roads into Wales. The Newtown bypass would greatly improve transportation. Access to site would be via the A483, and whilst a specific access point to site had yet to be identified, further and more detailed information would be available at the next public exhibitions.
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5.8.6 Support for Garn Fach
"I think it will be a wonderful opportunity for the community and future generations and our contribution to help combat climate change. Thank you."
In the text section of the feedback forms, 14 people expressed their support for the project.
5.8.7 Community Benefit Fund
“Great to see the level of the Community Benefit Fund, as well as potential for locals to invest in the scheme.”
There was considerable interest in the Community Benefit Fund. In written feedback, 7 respondents expressed positive interest in the Fund, and there were many questions about the process, the geographic area of benefit, and fairness and transparency about the potential beneficiaries.
5.8.8 Community investment
“Keen to know how you will implement the community investment opportunity.”
Three people expressed support and interest in the community investment opportunity.
5.8.9 Other issues • Six landowners expressed interest in having a turbine on their land.
• Concern about CO2 toxicity of materials used in turbines as well as CO2 generated through the manufacture of materials and construction of the site was raised by two people.
• Two people raised concerns that their house prices would be negatively impacted by the proposal.
• ‘Profiteering’ by EDF and farmers was raised by two people.
• Two people expressed interest in joining the Community Liaison Group.
• One person noted there are too many other windfarms locally and another wants it to be ‘sensibly sited’.
• One person expressed the need to engage the residents closest to the site.
• One person queried the evidence of climate change. 6 Conclusions & Recommendations
6.1 Conclusions
The Public Information Days were well-received and the overwhelming majority of people who attended found them informative (97.1%). Attendees welcomed the fact that EDF R intends to return to communities in the future with an exhibition outlining further details on how the development of the scheme has progressed, including more information on grid and transport.
Whilst EDF R was pleased with the numbers attending, it should be noted that this is still only a very small proportion of the local population, especially in light of the fact that more than 7,000 households were notified of the exhibition via a direct mailing. Of those attending, 50.7% said they had heard about the events via that mailing. Most of those attending were local residents.
Attendees were also overwhelmingly from the over 60 age category (51%), which is likely to be as a result of the times chosen for the exhibitions and the style of engagement.
Those who participated in the 3D modelling service found this extremely useful (86.5%).
There was considerable interest in the electricity grid connection and access to site for the large vehicles transporting turbine components, and construction vehicles.
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There was considerable interest in the potential community benefit fund, which was raised frequently in conversation. Most questions related to the geographic area of benefit, governance and distribution methods, and timescales.
From the postcode data provided (see figure 9 above) attendees were mostly from the local area.
The majority of respondents recorded in the feedback forms that they were concerned about the effects of climate change (116 out 134 that answered this question).
Most people expressed their support for renewable energy generation in Powys (108 out of 135 that answered this question).
Many more respondents were supportive of onshore wind farm developments (97) than those who were against (12) (a total of 137 answered this question, with 28 saying they were unsure).
Attendees were largely supportive of the Garn Fach Wind Farm proposal: Of the 135 that answered the question ‘Are you supportive of the Garn Fach Wind Farm proposal?’, 90 respondents said yes, 17 said no, and 28 were unsure.
6.2 Recommendations
The events were worthwhile, and future exhibitions should be scheduled once the project has progressed.
At future exhibitions, further details need to be shared on grid, transport and access, and local ownership options.
The venues chosen for the exhibitions were in the right locations and were accessible and should be used again for future events. The geographical spread of locations chosen for the PIDs seemed appropriate, and whilst three people suggested Bwlch-y-Sarnau as a potential venue, this village is only 3 miles from Pantydwr, and so the community will have had relatively easy access to this (and other) exhibitions.
The 3D modelling was popular, and participants gave positive feedback on how useful this element of the exhibition had been. The 3D modelling will be even more useful once other landscape features have been added in, including woodland which will provide natural visual screening. The 3D modelling should be a key feature of future exhibitions.
Consideration needs to be given to the timings of events, with people favouring evening sessions.
Whilst EDF R was happy with the level of engagement, perhaps unsurprisingly, participants were overwhelmingly older (71% of attendees were over 50 years old). For the next round of public engagement – in the summer – it is intended to address this by specifically engaging with children and young people through local schools and youth organisations. Consideration needs to be given to how to engage with younger people, (only 5% of attendees were under 29).
The St Harmon Community Council should be included in future engagement activity. Pantydwr community hall – one of the PID locations – is within this community council area, and whilst the council boundary does not border the proposed wind farm site, the area will be visually impacted.
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7 Appendices
7.1 Appendix 1: Feedback form
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7.2 Appendix 2: Press release
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7.3 Appendix 3: Flyer
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7.4 Appendix 4: Poster
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7.5 Appendix 5: Information leaflet
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7.6 Appendix 6: Exhibition boards
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7.7 Appendix 7: Map of venues
Llandinam Dolfor
Llanbadarn Fynydd
Pant y Dwr
Abbeycwmhir
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7.8 Appendix 8: Social media
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