Mid Wales council criticises wind energy policy
A renewable energy policy which led to a series of windfarm applications in Mid Wales has been described as a "farce" by council bosses.
The criticism was made yesterday as campaigners made their last pleas to a planning inspector to reject windfarm plans.
The year-long inquiry, the longest of its kind in Wales, is reaching its final stages and Inspector Andrew Poulter is expected to end it at the Royal Oak Hotel in Welshpool tomorrow.
Objectors and supporters are giving closing submissions to the inquiry into plans for five windfarms and a related electrical line connection.
Campaigners say whether or not the windfarms are approved will be key to whether a 33-mile power line will be built from Mid Wales to Shropshire.
The line would take energy generated at the windfarms to the national network at Lower Frankton near Oswestry.
In its closing submission to the inquiry, the North Montgomeryshire Local Council Forum, made up of town and community councils, criticised the national TAN8 policy which led to the windfarm applications.
The TAN8 policy sets out guidance on windfarms. But forum secretary Robert Robinson told the inquiry: "The whole saga of the TAN8 guidance and the progression to where we are today has been a farce." He said the TAN8 policy was out of date and not understood by those who approved it."
Mr Robinson added: "What we see, if the large scale windfarm developments go ahead is akin to a reverse Robin Hood.
"Reverse as the schemes will rob the poor and give to the rich via subsidies which the local economy does not benefit from."
