Powys wind farm approved after peat concern delay

The wind farm is smaller than originally planned - with 17 rather than 22 turbines - after local objections.

A new wind farm south of Newtown in Powys, capable of generating enough electricity for around 69,000 homes has been given the go-ahead by the Welsh government.

Developers EDF Renewables UK called the decision a "major step forward" for combatting climate change in Wales.

The Garn Fach scheme had been held up over objections from government officials and the environmental regulator over its potential impact on peatland.

While acknowledging that these carbon-rich soils were "irreplaceable", energy secretary Rebecca Evans ruled that there were "wholly exceptional circumstances" why the project could proceed.

These included the wind farm's contribution to the Welsh government's renewable energy targets, and a commitment by the developer to restoration work leading to "an overall improvement in the peat resource" at the site.

The Welsh government has set a target for Wales to meet 100% of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2035.

The Garn Fach wind farm will comprise of 17 turbines and an energy storage facility, west of the village of Llaithddu near Llanbadarn Fynydd.

EDF Renewables UK's Director for Onshore Wind, Jon O'Sullivan, said it was "an excellent location for a wind farm and has the potential to make a significant positive impact in Wales and to the local community".

The firm has said the scheme will lead to the creation of 61 jobs in Powys over the wind farm's lifetime, and a community benefit fund worth over £10m.

New footpaths and cycle tracks across the site, interpretation boards, and a visitor car park are also promised.

Energy Secretary Rebecca Evans said development on peat soils was only justifiable in wholly exceptional circumstances

Before the project can progress upgrades to the grid infrastructure in mid-Wales are required.

The scheme has been granted a ten year window in which to start building work.

The developers had been waiting for over two years for planning permission to be approved, which prompted a recent outcry by industry body RenewableUK Cymru.

RenewableUK Cymru's Director, Jess Hooper, said the announcement was a "tremendous shot in the arm for the Welsh renewables industry", describing Garn Fach as a "significant milestone project for Wales".