Newtown windfarm will be built

A controversial 12 turbine windfarm will be built in Mid Wales in the next few years -­ despite opposition from protesters.

Planners gave the go-ahead for the Tirgwynt windfarm, near Carno, Newtown, despite the fears of campaigners who say it will have a detrimental effect on the county's roads.

More than 50 people - both for and against the plans - turned up to a meeting of Powys County Council's planning committee yesterday.

They included flag and banner-waving protesters Councillor Estelle Bleivas, the Mayor of Welshpool, and the Newtown Mayor Councillor Joy Jones.

Councillor Bleivas today said she was calling for a public inquiry into the plans, saying large lorries needed to transport the parts could damage buildings in Welshpool.

Developers Awel Newydd said the turbines would be 80 metres (262ft) tall and generate enough to power the equivalent of hundreds of homes.

At the meeting Steve Packer, the county council's case officer for the application, said it would also involve underground electricity cable work and said it was recommended for approval subject, to a number of conditions.

He said as one of the conditions the development should be up and running within five years and permission for a period of 25 years be given from the date electricity is first connected to the grid.

He added: "The scheme has been reduced from 22 turbines to 12, four having been removed specifically in relation to landscape impacts and the remainder due to the proximity to curlew nests."

Speaking at the meeting Robert Robinson, Welshpool Town Council clerk, said the road network to support such a scheme had been grossly underestimated.

Councillors voted in favour of the scheme by seven to two.

By Andrew Morris