Powys councillors will be advised to approve replacement wind turbine for farm near Llanidloes

Powys councillors will be advised to approve plans for a single wind turbine at a farm near Llanidloes.

In March, R.R. Jones and Sons lodged the application with Powys County Council for a replacement wind turbine at Glynhafren, Old Hall which is south east of Llyn Clywedog and in the community council area of Llangurig.

The replacement wind turbine has a maximum height of 46 metres.

This is around 12 metres higher than the wind turbine that was granted permission there back in 2014.

The application has been called in by local county councillors for the area although they are un-named in the report.

The report said: “The local member, plus the one in the neighbouring constituency called in the application.”

Liberal Democrats county councillors Glyn Preston and Fleur Frantz-Morgans (both Llanidloes) cover this area.

The scheme also been on the agenda for a Planning committee meeting on July 8, but had to be postponed due to a lack of councillors sitting in the meeting to decide the application.

Cllr Frantz-Morgans who is a Planning committee member had declared an interest in the application and would need leave the meeting during its discussion.

Due to this and a number of other councillors being absent – the committee was not quorate.

Planning agent Gwyn Humphreys of Roger Parry & Partners said: “The application site forms part of the established agricultural enterprise at Glynhafren; an established livestock farm located approximately five miles from the town of Llanidloes.

“The holding diversified in the mid-1980s through the establishment of enduro training schools, a venture that later secured support from Yamaha in the mid-1990s, ultimately evolving into the Yamaha Off-Road Experience, which has proven very successful.

‘The proposed replacement turbine will directly replace the existing unit and will occupy the same position.”

“The site is classified as grade four agricultural land, which is considered poor quality with limitations that restrict its productive use.

“Most electricity generated will be used on the holding, with any surplus exported to the national grid, contributing to local renewable energy supply and helping the nation to meet its net-zero goals and objectives.”

There have been 18 objections lodged against the scheme on issues that include it height, impact on ecology, visual impact and noise nuisance.

Planning officer Aled Williams said: “The application proposes an enhanced scheme compared to the existing arrangement, comprising a larger and more efficient turbine capable of generating increased energy output.

“This approach aligns with the overarching policy objective of maximising renewable energy generation from suitable sites and improving operational efficiency.

“Overall, having regard to all representations received, it is considered that no issues have been raised that would outweigh the policy support for the proposed development or justify the refusal of planning permission.

“It is therefore considered that the proposed development fundamentally complies with relevant planning policy.

“The recommendation is one of conditional consent.”