Views sought on major new windfarm development

Public consultation is about to begin on proposals that could see a new 26-turbine onshore wind farm developed on land between the Llynfi and Afan valleys.

Called Y Bryn, the wind farm development is being proposed by the energy companies, Coriolis Energy and ESB. It would be split between two forestry blocks on land which is owned by Welsh Government and managed by Natural Resources Wales.

As some of the development land lies within the boundaries of both Bridgend County Borough and Neath Port Talbot, public exhibitions have been arranged in both areas to help publicise the proposals:

• Monday 21 June: Maesteg RFC, Llynfi Road, Maesteg (CF34 9DS) between 1pm–7pm.
• Tuesday 22 June: Bryn Community Centre, Maesteg Road, Bryn (SA13 2RY) between 1pm–7pm.
• Wednesday 23 June: Cwmafan Community Centre, Depot Road, Port Talbot (SA12 9BA) between 1pm–7pm.
• Thursday 24 June: Cefn Cribwr Athletic Club, 47 Cefn Road, Cefn Cribwr (CF32 0BA) between 1pm–7pm.
• Saturday 26 June: Taibach Community Centre, Duke Street, Taibach SA13 1NA between 12pm–4pm.

To encourage people to feed back their views, a website has been set up which provides full details about the project as well as information on the various ways in which residents can take part in the consultation.

While this project has not been proposed by either Bridgend or Neath Port Talbot councils and involves land owned by Welsh Government, we want to help ensure that as many people as possible take part in the consultation. Because the design and scope of the wind farm is likely to evolve over time, it is important for as many residents as possible to contribute their views.

This is a significant scheme which, if successful, promises to deliver enough clean energy to power more than 125,000 homes. However, there would also be a significant visual impact as the proposed turbines would be some of the tallest seen so far in the South Wales area. At this stage, the project involves up to 26 turbines and associated infrastructure such as a battery storage facility, on-site substations and access tracks.

As it is being proposed as a Development of National Significance under the Planning (Wales) Act 2015, the Planning Inspectorate Wales will need to make a recommendation to Welsh Ministers, and they will have the final say on whether the proposal receives planning permission. I hope that people will make full use of this opportunity to study the proposal in closer detail, ask questions and have their say.

Councillor Stuart Baldwin, Cabinet Member for Communities

To learn more and find out about the different ways in which you can take part in the consultation, visit ybryn-windfarm.cymru/