James Evans MS is encouraging residents to attend upcoming consultation events and make their voices heard on controversial plans for a major new energy park near Builth Wells.
Bute Energy has launched a 47-day statutory consultation on its proposals for the Aberedw Energy Park, located approximately 3km east of Builth Wells. The project aims to deliver 120 MW of renewable energy as part of Welsh Government net-zero targets, but would involve the construction of super-sized wind turbines and a 60-mile-long distribution line running from Builth Wells to Carmarthen.
James has consistently opposed the plans, is warning that this latest consultation is just one of the many steps in a lengthy planning process, and is urging residents to prepare for the formal stage when the plans are submitted to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), where objections will carry the most weight.
You can give your feedback to this latest round of consultations by completing an online form on the website. bute.energy/aberedw/overview
James Evans MS said:
“It is important that people attend these pre-application consultation events and make their concerns known to the developers. However, this is not the ‘formal’ stage of the planning application and feedback at this stage may mean plans are tweaked, locations moved but the plans will continue apace. When that final planning application does go live to the Planning Inspectorate Wales – that is the critical time to submit your comments and concerns if these proposals are to be stopped. We don’t know when that will be exactly, but when it does, there will be a short 5 week window for responses and when that time comes, I urge all residents to submit comments in writing to the Planning Inspectorate Wales (PEDW) when this is being considered.
“I have been against these plans from the start and will continue to oppose them at every stage. Taken together, the turbines will overwhelm our area, which some up to 200 metres high, these are super-sized turbines that will be seen for miles and miles. The turbines will necessitate a distribution line, some 60 miles from Builth Wells to Carmarthen. Many are pushing for this line to be underground but developers are saying the costs will be too high. Let’s be clear – if we stop the turbines – we stop the distribution line.
“I am not against renewable energy – we need a mix of energy sources, but this is clear exploitation of our countryside by commercial companies seeking to make a profit. These proposals risk damaging precious ecosystems, upland areas rich in peat, endangered species like curlew. The proliferation of turbines in our countryside will deter tourists, putting jobs at risk and the viability of many local businesses like our local pubs, shops and accommodation providers. Taken together, these plans will overwhelm our area and risk industrialising our countryside. This is my home, your home, and I will do everything I can to protect it from this exploitation by commercial companies interested only in profit.”
