Initial Meeting of the Lluest Y Gwynt Wind Farm Community Liaison Group (CLG)

Monday 11th November 2019

AGENDA

Monday 11th November 2019, 18:30 – 20:00

George Borrow Hotel, SY23 3AD

1. Welcome a. Introductions b. Apologies for absence

2. Introduction to Eco2 and Statkraft

3. Purpose of CLG a. Membership b. Review draft terms of reference c. Chairperson

4. Project Update a. Timeline b. New Wales planning process c. Scoping d. Anemometer Mast e. Environmental studies f. Public consultation and engagement

5. Any Other Business

6. Date and time of next meeting

Lluest Y Gwynt Community Liaison Group Terms of Reference

Introduction

In order to facilitate a two-way dialogue between local stakeholders with an interest in the proposed Lluest Y Gwynt Wind Farm and the project team, Statkraft/Eco2 have established the Lluest Y Gwynt Wind Farm Community Liaison Group (CLG).

Quatro Public Relations (Quatro) has been commissioned to establish and maintain the CLG, which will operate throughout the proposal’s lifecycle from the pre-application phases, to the development and construction phases, should planning consent be granted.

Objectives

• The primary purpose of the group is to facilitate two-way dialogue between Statkraft/Eco2 and neighbouring local communities, organisations and stakeholders with an interest in the development of the proposed wind farm.

• The CLG will be non-partisan: it is not a forum in which support is harnessed, and likewise is not a platform for those who may choose to oppose the development.

• Individuals and organisations who may wish to support or oppose the proposal will be able to do this through the planning process and not through the CLG.

• The CLG will determine and consider issues directly involved with the development proposals for the site and will have the opportunity to assist in the development of the public consultation programme.

Membership

• Membership of the CLG should be well balanced and representative with no particular interest group dominating; inclusive and open to all stakeholder groups from across the local community, particularly hard to reach groups. No member should be turned away and not allowed to participate, unless they breach the code of conduct (see later).

• In order to keep the CLG at a manageable size, membership will be limited to representatives of stakeholder groups rather than being extended to individuals. However, individuals will be able to monitor the progress of the CLG through the project website, and will be invited to make representations to the CLG through the CLG Chair, the website’s online feedback mechanism or through another CLG member.

• It is intended that members of the CLG will liaise with members of the organisations they represent, both to pass on information discussed at meetings of the CLG and to represent their member’s comments or concerns at CLG meetings and to Statkraft/Eco2 representatives.

• Quatro has drafted the initial invite list. This list encompasses representatives from a wide range of local organisations including Community Councils, County Councils and organisations representing sectors such as education, sport, religion, tourism, farming and countryside, young people and health.

• Representatives have also been sought from environmental organisations and also those known to oppose wind farms.

• At Quatro’s suggestion, Council leaders, AMs and MPs will be kept informed of the CLG’s progress (through the distribution of CLG minutes and meeting information), as CLG involvement is sought from those operating at a more local level, such as Ward Councillors and Community Councils.

• The CLG will revise its membership at the inaugural meeting and will be able to invite additional representatives to join the CLG.

• Membership will be a standard agenda item for each CLG meeting so that any new groups that are established in the local community will have the opportunity to join the group.

Chair

• For the success of the CLG, nominations will be sought for the positions of independent Chair and Vice Chair, to be elected by CLG members.

• The Chair and Vice Chair are not representatives of Statkraft/Eco2 or any of its consultants, although administrative support will be provided by Quatro.

• The role of Chair is to chair the meeting in an impartial and inclusive manner and ensure that its business it conducted properly, in accordance with the terms of reference.

• The Chair will ensure that all members are fully involved and encouraged to contribute to discussion and decisions at the CLG, and that principles of equal opportunities and valuing diversity are applied.

• Additionally, with support from Quatro, the Chair will ensure that meetings are planned and run effectively, focus on key issues and priorities of the group and that the decisions of the CLG reached in an open and transparent manner.

• The primary role of the Vice Chair is to deputise for the Chair in their absence and work with him/her to provide leadership for the CLG.

Meetings

• Whilst the inaugural meeting will take place in Ponterwyd, future meetings will take place across the area. The CLG will decide where it would like future meetings to take place.

• Meetings will take place at key milestones of the planning and project development process, although the CLG has the power to call extraordinary meetings but must give at least ten working days’ notice.

• Agendas for subsequent meetings will be discussed at each meeting and must conform to the terms of reference.

• All CLG members have the right to suggest items for the meeting agenda and Statkraft/Eco2 will attempt to ensure that relevant additional consultants attend each meeting so that items are fully discussed.

• Two-way simultaneous translation will be available at all meetings.

• Meeting agendas will be distributed by Quatro two weeks in advance of meetings and minutes will be distributed two weeks following each meeting.

• Agendas and minutes will also be available on the project website.

• CLG members will receive information in English and Welsh.

Code of Conduct

• All CLG members will be expected to sign up to a code of conduct to ensure that the group is run in an orderly and professional manner, where members respect the views of others and are able to express themselves without fear or intimidation or their opinions appearing in the media.

• An open and inclusive discussion is essential for the effective functioning of the group and disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated.

• If members break the code of conduct, the Chair will issue a warning and if such behaviour continued, the Chair has the right to exclude them from the meeting. The CLG will then vote if this is a temporary or permanent exclusion.

• If uninvited guests turn up at the meeting, providing there is room to accommodate them, they will be allowed to listen to the proceedings but not to interfere or disrupt. If disruptive guests do not moderate their behaviour, then the Chair will have the right to suspend the meeting and reconvene at a later date.

Appendix: Suggested Initial Membership

Name Organisation Cllr Rhodri Davies Ceredigion County Council (ward Councillor for Melindwr) Cllr Dai Mason Ceredigion County Council (ward Councillor Trefeurig) Cllr Meirion Davies Ceredigion County Council (ward Councillor Ystwyth) Cllr Ifan Davies Ceredigion County Council (ward Councillor Lledrod) Cllr Phyl Davies Powys County Council (ward Councillor for Blaen Hafren Cllr Elwyn Vaughan Powys County Council (ward Councillor for Glantwymyn Cllr Kelvyn Curry Powys County Council (ward Councillor for Rhayader) Cllr Diane Jones-Poston Powys County Council (ward Councillor for Llanbrynmair) Cllr Glyn Rowlands Chair of Blaenrheidol Community Council Cllr Sarah Bunton Vice Chairman of Blaenrheidol Community Council Cllr Enoc Jenkins Chair of Ceulanamaesmawr Community Council Cllr David Morris Jones Vice Chair of Ceulanamaesmawr Community Council Cllr Aled Lewis Chair of Melindwr Community Council Cllr Richard Edwards Vice Chair of Melindwr Community Council Cllr Eluned Evans Chair of Pontarfynach Community Council Cllr Jane Hopkins Vice Chair of Pontarfynach Community Council Cllr John Dore Chair of Llangurig Community Council Cllr Laurie Higgit Vice Chair of Llangurig Community Council Mr Rab Jones Contact for Cadfarch Community Council Cllr Beryl Crone Chair of Trefeglwys Community Council Cllr Myra Jones Vice Chair of Trefeglwys Community Council Gaye White Club Secretary of Clwb Garddio Ponterwyd Garden Club Cynnal y Cardi Contact at Cynnal y Cardi Simon Morgan Chairman of Llanidloes Rugby Club Eirlys Morgan President of Merched y Wawr (Mynach and District Branch) Penllwyn Primary School Contact at Penllwyn Primary School Gari Lewis Manger of Penrhyncoch FC Robert Downes Chairman of Ponterwyd & District Art Club Ponterwyd Neighbourhood Watch Contact at Ponterwyd Neighbourhood Watch Ramblers - Aberystwyth Group Contact at the Ramblers - Aberystwyth Group Delyth Morris-Jones Church Warden at St John's Church, Ysbyty Cynfyn Fiona Corke Chairman of The Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales - North Ceredigion Local Group The Women's Institute Ceredigion Federation Contact at The Women's Institute Ceredigion Federation Anne Jones County Organiser at the Young Farmers Clubs – Ceredigion Mike Carruthers Headteacher at Ysgol Comins Coch Gwenallt Llwyd Ifan Headteacher at Ysgol Gyfun Gymendol Penweddig Mair Hughes Headteacher at Ysgol Penglais School Ysgol Penrhyncoch Contact at Ysgol Penrhyncoch Ysgol Syr John Rhys Contact at Ysgol Syr John Rhys Ysgol Tal-y-bont Contact at Ysgol Tal-y-bont

MINUTES

Initial Meeting of the Lluest Y Gwynt Wind Farm Community Liaison Group (CLG)

Monday 11th November 2019, 18:30-20:00

George Borrow Hotel, SY23 3AD

1. Welcome c. Introductions The meeting was opened by Cllr Rhodri Davies who welcomed attendees and explained a little about the purpose of the meeting. Attendees then introduced themselves.

Attendees: Cllr Rhodri Davies (RD) Ceredigion County Councillor Dafydd Williams (DW) Eco2 Rob Fellows (RF) Quatro Cllr John Dore LLangurig Community Council Mr & Mrs White Ponterwyd Garden Club Wynne Jones Caryl Jones Ysgol Syr John Rhys Clare Davies Ysgol Syr John Rhys Eluned Thomas Delyth Jones Dafydd Jones Garry Ball Aled Thomas Emyr Thomas Bryn Jones Gareth Daniel d. Apologies for Absence Apologies were received from: Mike Carruthers Ysgol Comins Goch Cllr Beryl Crone Trefeglwys Community Council Rhian Cory Acting Head at Ysgol Penrhyncoch John Wall Blaenrheidol Community Council David Evans Blaenrheidol Community Council Llyr Lewis Blaenrheidol Community Council John / Elaine Lewis Blaenrheidol Community Council

2. Introduction to Eco2 and Statkraft

DW provided a detailed overview of Cardiff-based Eco2 and outlined their track record in delivering renewable energy projects including the Mynydd Y Betws Wind Farm near Ammanford and the Margam Biomass Plant in Port Talbot.

DW also introduced Statkraft and explained the LYG Wind Farm project is a joint venture between both companies and outlined the company’s presence in Wales including the Rheidol Hydro Plant and the Alltwalis Wind Farm. It was well known amongst attendees that Statkraft own and operate Rheidol.

3. Purpose of CLG

RF shared the terms of reference for the CLG and provided an overview in that the group is not a forum to harness support or objections. It is a forum for the dissemination of information across a large geographic area.

RF also highlighted that all attendees have the right to place items on the agenda and that RD has kindly agreed to chair the group (the position of Vice-Chair needs to be agreed at the next meeting).

RF stated the CLG will meet at key project milestones as opposed to a monthly/bi-monthly pattern. d. Membership RF explained that the invite list has been drawn up by one of his team to include the political stakeholders in the suggested 13km consultation zone and some community groups that are active in the area.

RF stated that the list is not complete, and he would welcome attendees to let him know what other groups and organisations should be added onto the list for future meetings. e. Review Terms of Reference RF again reiterated the aim of the CLG and welcomed comments on the terms of reference should attendees have any comments.

None were made at the meeting, but attendees were welcomed to email or telephone following the meeting to discuss should they wish.

21 f. Chairperson As mentioned above, RD as Ward Councillor for LYG kindly agreed to chair the group (following discussion with Ceredigion County Council’s legal officer).

The group requires a Vice-Chair and would welcome nominations. This will be placed on the agenda for the next meeting.

4. Project Update g. Timeline DW explained that we are at the very earliest of stages in the development of the LYG proposal. At present, landowners have been signed up and it is too early to indicate the number of turbines.

RF indicated that some wider community consultation will be taking place in the first quarter of 2020, which would provide a project overview.

DW passed around a map to illustrate the land boundaries as they stand at the moment. h. New Wales Planning Process DW explained that when the application is submitted, it will be part of a new process called DNS (Developments of National Significance).

As the project will be more than 10MW, the application will be considered by Planning Inspectorate Wales with a decision made by the Welsh Government Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs.

DW stressed that Ceredigion County Council will still have a role to play in the process as a consultee and also with regards to the way in which the new process makes developers front load the consultation. This will mean major issues have the opportunity to be ironed out (where possible) before the application is submitted.

RF indicated some of the timescales involved, for example a year to submit the application from notification and 42 weeks for the Minister to make a decision. i. Scoping DW explained that Scoping has yet to be submitted, but that when it is, the project team will then know more about how the planning programme will work and the full extent of surveys and other such items that will be required to accompany the planning application.

22 j. Anemometer Mast DW explained that the application for the met mast will shortly be submitted and that the purpose of the mast is to measure wind speed / turbulence etc., which will in turn help shape the layout of the site and the number of turbines. k. Environmental Studies DW explained that some studies have already started, for example bird surveys where they are required across various seasons (breeding season, winter, etc.).

DW also explained that Scoping will also inform the environmental study programme for the application. l. Public Consultation and Engagement RF provided an overview of the proposed consultation strategy including the 13km consultation zone. The commitment is to be fully inclusive, targeting hard-to-reach groups and ensuring that the activities are meaningful and not a box-ticking exercise.

The group welcomed the early engagement with the community in the form of the CLG and RF reiterated that the group has an important role to play in helping to shape and refine the consultation strategy going forward.

5. Any Other Business

Following on from the above items, the group then engaged in a more general discussion covering a number of issues. This included the following: • Turbine heights in a subsidy-free world • Number of turbines in the area • Capacity in the grid network to take the power away from the project • Transportation route from Ellesmere Port, as opposed to previous applications in the area that proposed a coastal route from Swansea • Landscape value in the area • National media coverage (Daily Telegraph) regarding wind energy • The appropriateness of the application regarding the current Welsh Government consultation on the National Development Framework • The declaration of a Climate Emergency • Previous applications being refused in the area • Community benefits associated with the proposal.

6. Date and time of next meeting

It was agreed that future meetings will take place across the 13km consultation zone, with the next meeting to take place in Capel Bangor.

The next meeting will take place in early 2020 before the initial public consultation starts so that the CLG is able to feed into the process, although a date and time is yet to be agreed.

It was also agreed that simultaneous translation would be available again at the next meeting, and at all CLG meetings.