In a rare piece of good news for mid Wales, we are delighted to welcome the announcement that Garreg Lwyd wind farm has had planning permission upheld following a legal challenge by Powys County Council.
The local authority has a world-beating track record of frittering away hard-earned money by contesting projects which could bring significant economic, social and environmental benefits to the county. Powys’ long-suffering taxpayers are becoming sadly accustomed to seeing damage to their services and rises in council tax bills as a result.
In a sadly prescient article in 2013, David Clubb asks where Powys is going to get it’s £50 million from wind investment
The Garreg Lwyd wind farm will generate more than £150,000 of annual benefits through a local community fund and the Local Electricity Discount Scheme which offers nearest neighbours at least £100 off their annual electricity bill. The scheme will bring millions of pounds of investment to the region through overall construction, operations and maintenance.
Commenting on the news, David Clubb said:
“Despite the best efforts of the local authority to deny local taxpayers the benefit of renewable energy investment and infrastructure, this scheme has happily negotiated the hurdles necessary to begin construction.
“It beggars belief that during a period of savage cuts to local authority spending, and increased need by citizens, Powys County Council is actively spending money to try to make the county a less prosperous place.
“This is fantastic news for the local community, and RES deserve our congratulations for persevering with the project.”