Pen y Cymoedd wind farm step nearer after RCT decision

The Pen y Cymoedd wind farm would be one of the biggest in Wales, if approved

Plans for what would be one of the largest wind farms in Wales have moved a step closer.

Rhondda Cynon Taf councillors have decided not to object to Pen y Cymoedd, between Neath and Aberdare, which would have 76 turbines, each 145m (475ft).

The site covers 47 sq km (18 sq m), and Nuon Renewables has promised some £1.85m annually to a community fund and £3m for a habitat restoration scheme.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change will have the final decision.

The turbines would generate around 250 megawatts.

A special meeting of RCT council's development control committee was held on Tuesday evening to discuss the plans.

Nuon has promised to contribute about £1.85m annually to a community fund and invest £3m in a habitat restoration scheme.

The Glyncorrwg Action Group, set up by residents of the village in the Afan Valley, have campaigned against the wind farm which they claim would destroy the character of the landscape.

The Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales has objected to the development on the grounds of its potential impact on a sensitive peat habitat.

Neath Port Talbot council's planning committee decided not to object to the scheme in January after councillors carried out a site visit, although they set a number of conditions.

The Welsh government has no devolved powers over large-scale energy projects and the final decision to give the go-ahead rests with the UK government's Department for Energy and Climate Change.

The Pen y Cymoedd wind farm would be sited within one of the so-called Tan 8 strategic areas identified by the Welsh government as suitable for wind energy schemes.

Nuon Renewables head of development Piers Guy said: "We are naturally very pleased with this decision as Pen y Cymoedd represents a substantial inward investment that will bring major benefits to the local economy and the environment."