Wind turbines will 'blight' Anglesey claims group

Anglesey Against Wind Turbines say their map shows where the developments will be

A group set up to oppose plans for more wind turbines on Anglesey says the island could be 'blighted' as a result of a huge increase in applications.

They say more than 40 new sites are being considered by developers.

Anglesey Against Wind Turbines claim more turbines would have a detrimental effect on tourism and the landscape.

Anglesey Council says it fully understands concerns about the number of applications, but supports the principle of wind energy.

The local authority said they have granted 20 applications for wind turbines during the last 18 months.

Another 14 applications are awaiting a decision.

During the same period the authority has received screening opinions (which is a formal declaration of interest to develop) for 56 sites.

"Our concern is that these turbines will affect the landscape, our way of life and tourism on the island," said Owain Evans, from Anglesey Against Wind Turbines.

"These create noise and are not the most efficient when it comes to energy production."

Another group member Llinos Edwards agrees, adding: "I worry the island is going to be turned into an ugly industrial area with wind turbines scattered across the landscape."

Objectors say more turbines could turn the island "ugly and industrialised"

Eryl Vaughan, the managing director of Windpower Wales plc, said the turbines on Anglesey were generally very small and "Anglesey is quite a large county, and a very windy county".

Renewable energy and "land based wind energy" is the way forward, he added.

As a result of the increase in applications the council is in the process of drawing up a new planning policy for wind turbines.

It says the public will be given an opportunity to express their opinion on the policy before it is formally adopted.

None of the current plans under consideration is for large-scale wind farms, but are for one, two or three turbines ranging from 17 metres (55ft) to 100 metres (328ft) in height.

In a statement Anglesey council said it fully understood concerns regarding the number of planning applications for turbines.

But it said it supports, in principle, wind energy "in the same vein as it supports other low carbon micro generation technology developments".

"Planning applications for wind turbines are dealt with on their individual merits," it said.

This would take into account any planning policies and include Welsh Government guidance.

"Scale, location, numbers, noise visual/cumulative impact, shadow flicker are among factors which are taken into considerations," it added.