CPRW, The Welsh Countryside Charity, welcomes the recent decision by developer Bute Energy to withdraw its planning application for the Nant Ceiment Energy Park in Carmarthenshire, a proposal that would have seen up to 13 large-scale wind turbines installed in the Teifi Valley landscape.
Bute Energy confirmed its decision following a detailed review of environmental, land and commercial factors, leading to the conclusion that the scheme was not viable in its current form. Local residents and campaigners expressed relief at the news, citing concerns about the cumulative impact of multiple large wind developments across rural Wales.
CPRW Chairman, Jonty Colchester, said: “We welcome the withdrawal of the Nant Ceiment proposal. It shows that careful scrutiny and community engagement matter. Wales does need renewable energy, but it must be delivered through a strategic, coordinated approach that fully respects our landscapes, biodiversity and rural communities.”
CPRW continues to monitor more than 70 wind energy schemes currently progressing through the planning system across Wales. These include major proposals such as Lan Fawr, Banc y Celyn, Gaerwen, Nant Mithil, Mynydd Maen and Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru projects, alongside many others in some of our most valued landscapes.
In south Wales in particular, several interconnected schemes illustrate the growing issue of cumulative impact. Decisions are pending on Mynydd Maen (RES) and Trecelyn (Pennant Walters), which would be interlinked with each other and with the recently approved 92-acre Cil-lonydd solar farm. A further four turbines are proposed at Rhyswg, and hearings are due for Mynydd Llanhilleth, comprising seven 180m turbines. Considered together, these proposals raise serious concerns about incremental expansion and the progressive industrialisation of wide areas of upland Wales.
While supportive of renewable energy, CPRW stresses that balanced outcomes are essential, ones that deliver green power while safeguarding Wales’ distinctive rural character, biodiversity, and tourism-rich landscapes.
CPRW is calling for:
- A strategic, landscape-sensitive renewables plan for Wales that takes cumulative impacts into account and with an emphasis on OFFSHORE wind farms that while 50% more expensive are TWICE as efficient
• Greater transparency and community involvement early in the planning process.
• Robust environmental standards and enforcement to prevent unsuitable developments proceeding.
For the latest list of onshore wind proposals across Wales and CPRW’s analysis, visit cprw.org.uk/onshore-wind-farms-in-wales-current-status
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Image: Stock image, Freepik