Huge windfarm plan moves a step closer

Mynydd y Gwynt Ltd has applied to build the windfarm at Sweet Lamb Farm and Rally complex at Llangurig, near Llanidloes, and it will now enter a pre-examination phase.

The windfarm would see 27 turbines up to 125m (410 feet) in height and a new substation built. A statement from Mynydd y Gwynt said: "The project now enters the pre-examination phase, which usually lasts about three months.

"The site of the proposed Mynydd y Gwynt windfarm has been carefully researched and selected for several reasons, including high wind speeds at the site and good access direct to the site from the main A44 trunk road.

"Having already been developed as a successful motor sport and rally complex, there are already good and extensive tracks and hard standings at the site which will minimise the impact of construction.

"The site's location is largely hidden from towns and busy roads, thereby minimising any significant visual impact."

The plans are now open for public comments and they are on show at Powys County Planning Services in Welshpool, Llanidloes Library and Llangurig Village Hall.

Mynydd y Gwynt Ltd was founded by the owner of the Sweet Lamb Rally complex, Simon Bennett-Evans, with local businessman Philip Evans. The complex is regularly used for rally cars and motorcycles as well as off-road testing of vehicles by car manufacturers.

Meanwhile, a series of electricity power lines will be upgraded across Mid Wales.

Six applications – not connected to windfarms – were due to go before Powys County Council's cabinet at a meeting in Llandrindod Wells today.

They are to upgrade an 11kv overhead line from single phase to three phase at Sychtyn, Llanerfyl, near Welshpool; to erect a new 11kv overhead line at Abercrave; to upgrade a section of existing overhead line in Coedway, Crew Green, near Welshpool; to rebuilt an 11kv circuit of overhead line from Llanddu Quarry to Llanblodwell, Llansanffraid; to upgrade existing lines in Aberhafesp, Newtown; and to upgrade a section of overhead line from a service line to a main line in Dolanog, Welshpool.

Councillor Rosemarie Harris, portfolio holder for regeneration and planning, said: "The electric line applications have been made by SP Manweb and Western Power Distribution to install and/or upgrade existing 11kv overhead electricity lines."

She recommends that no objections are raised and the work is given the go ahead.