Fresh plans for Powys wind turbine site

A fresh application for a small wind farm in Powys is to be submitted after planning permission was refused earlier this year.

Protesters won an eight-year campaign to prevent three turbines, standing at 91m (298ft), from being built at Pentre Tump, near Presteigne.

The applicant, Cornwall Light and Power (CLP) launched an appeal against the decision, but has now withdrawn it.

The firm said it would submit a fresh application for the site next year.

The visual impact on the landscape and the effect on public rights of way were among reasons councillors in Powys refused the original application earlier this year.

CLP has also been told by the Welsh Assembly Government that future plans for Pentre Tump must include an environmental impact assessment (EIA).

Matt Partridge, development director at REG Windpower, the trading name for Cornwall Light and Power, said: "We are disappointed by the Welsh Assembly Government's judgment that our plans for Pentre Tump, which were first submitted to Powys County Council eight years ago, now require an EIA.

"However, we remain committed to the scheme and to bringing the benefits of renewable power to this part of Wales. We will therefore be submitting a fresh application later next year."

Cornwall Light and Power estimated that its original scheme could have met the energy needs of more than 2,000 homes in Powys.