RWE has submitted a planning application for the construction of the 30MW Pen March Wind Farm near Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney in South Wales.
If approved, the six-turbine site could generate enough electricity for approximately 24,500 homes, a number equivalent to the town of Merthyr Tydfil itself.
“This application is the culmination of several years’ work and I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who took the time to review our proposals and share their thoughts over the course of our two pre-application consultation periods,” said RWE’s project manager leading on the development Jenny Cowley.
“That feedback has now been taken into consideration and contributed to the planning application alongside details of our extensive environmental surveys, which look at ecology, ornithology, hydrology, noise, landscape and visual impacts, as well as weather measurements.
“As demonstrated by our operational portfolio across Wales, if approved, Pen March Wind Farm and its associated community package will directly benefit the local community, support local businesses and supply chains, as well as helping to tackle climate change.”
The proposals have been discussed extensively with interested parties and local political representatives since the first site assessments began in 2019. In late 2022, RWE carried out a six-week statutory pre-application consultation, hosting exhibitions and inviting people from local communities to share their thoughts.
Having been accepted as valid, the application will now be considered by Planning and Environment Decisions Wales, with a final decision by the Welsh ministers anticipated in 2024.
As the proposed site is partly on registered common land within the Gelligaer and Merthyr Common, RWE will require separate consent from the Welsh Ministers to develop on common land.
If Pen March receives planning consent, RWE will work closely with the local community to tailor a benefit package to local needs.
RWE has also been in discussions with Caerphilly and Merthyr County Borough Councils to develop a shared ownership agreement where council investment could secure part local ownership of the project for the further benefit of local people.