Powys council opposes wind farms for Llanbadarn Fynydd and Carnedd Wen

The council said it would oppose proposed wind farms at Llanbadarn Fynydd, near Newtown, and Carnedd Wen, Llanbrynmair

Powys council says it will formally object to two large wind farm applications due to be decided on by the UK government.

The council's cabinet agreed at a meeting on Tuesday that it would oppose applications at Llanbadarn Fynydd, near Newtown, and Carnedd Wen, Llanbrynmair.

Both applications are for developments with energy outputs above 50 megawatts (MW).

The council said its decision was likely to trigger a public inquiry.

Council officers had recommended objecting to both applications - to be considered by the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) - because of their likely impact on nearby roads.

The Carnedd Wen application had also been recommended for objection because of its likely impact on the environment.

The council's cabinet found the applications would also have an unacceptable impact on the landscape which could damage tourism.

It was also unsure as to whether they would result in further development which could further damage the visual, economic and environmental well-being of the area.

The council said it would seek additional funding from the Welsh government to help with the cost of subsequent public inquiries.

Council leader Michael Jones said the cabinet had made a unanimous decision after carefully considering reports on both developments.

"We object to both applications because of their impact on the county's environment, the impact on the highway infrastructure and because they fail to meet a number of important national and county planning policies," he said.

Powys council said it expected to respond to four further DECC wind farm applications by the end of September.

Last week the council's planning committee refused an application for an 11-turbine wind farm at Waun Garno, Llawryglyn, near Carno.