Fears over more windfarms

Hundreds of wind turbines could be built in Mid Wales, despite fears Powys is becoming one great windfarm.

Up to 15 applications for windfarms in Montgomeryshire and Radnorshire are due to be submitted to Powys County Council, the local planning authority, within the next few months - with many expected to be approved under Government guidance.

But campaigners fear they will have a devastating impact on the countryside.

Glyn Davies, former Mid and West Wales AM and prospective parliamentary candidate for Montgomeryshire, said: "The landscape brings joy and wonder to many of those who share my good fortune, and the many thousands who come to share it with us in their leisure time.

"I could live with one or two wind farms - but 15, on top of what's here already? Personally, I do not blame landowners for maximising income from their property - they have a responsibility to their families.

"Responsibility falls entirely on the Governments, who have ignored the development of other renewable energy sources, and failed to address the approaching energy gap.

"Governments have failed us and the only pathetic, doomed-to-fail response today's Government can come up with is one which desecrates this beautiful corner of the planet Earth."

A Powys County Council spokesman said: "There are three strategic wind farm search areas affecting Powys, two are wholly in the county, Carno North and Newtown South.

"The council has received only one application, the Llanbadarn project, althou-gh it is anticipating further applications for Carno Nor-th and Newtown South."

Acciona Energy UK wants to construct 23 turbines at Waun Garno windfarm, near Trefeglwys, and Mynydd Y Cemmaes, near Cemmaes.

The firm is due to submit applications shortly.

Senior development manager Mike Paffey said: "The projects will help meet Wales's need for sustainable energy and will not have a lasting impact on the landscape."

Exhibitions for the Waun Garno project will be held at Trefeglwys Memorial Hall on Monday and at Carno Community Centre on Wednesday, both 2-7pm.