Wind farm plans progress

Pennant Walters’ plans to create a wind farm in Blaenau Gwent, which could generate up to 34MW of electricity per year, have taken a step forward.The proposals for Mynydd Carn-y-Cefn Wind Farm, located to the west of Abertillery, include up to eight wind turbines with a blade height of up to 180m and ancillary development including a substation and transformer housing, temporary construction compound and site offices, crane pads, storage areas and an access track.The site is in a pre-assessed area for the provision of wind farms and will have an operational life of 30 years, exporting renewable energy to the National Grid.The design work has been influenced by a suite of assessment and survey work together with modelling of potential views from local sensitive receptors to minimise potential effects.Following the results of environmental studies and a review of the feedback from the early engagement in summer 2021, the company is now carrying our statutory consultation for the plans.The consultation includes a virtual exhibition and draft planning application documentation. Three public exhibitions are also being held to give people the opportunity to discuss the proposals.Meryl Lewis, director of environment and sustainability for Pennant Walters, said: “Mynydd Carn-y-Cefn Wind Farm provides a great opportunity for homegrown renewable energy generation that could make a significant contribution to Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council’s renewable energy targets in the immediate future.”We place great value on the communities we operate within and look forward to hearing from residents and stakeholders during the consultation. We are also interested to continue discussions about the Community Benefit Fund, in particular how it should be managed and the types of local projects it could support.”The exhibitions can be visited on:3-7pm on Wednesday, 15 June at Ebenezer Baptist Chapel, Abertillery10am-2pm on Saturday, 18 June at Cwm Community Education Centre3-7pm on Tuesday, 21 June at Aberbeeg Community Centre