The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Amber Rudd has refused development consent for Renewable Energy Holding’s 27-turbine Mynydd y Gwynt wind farm in Wales.
Rudd cited concerns with the project’s impact on habitats for bird species, in particular the red kite. The decision was counter to the recommendation of PINS officials.
The minister said sufficient information had not been provided to conclude whether or not there would be an adverse effect on the raptor.
The developer said it was surprised at the “very narrow” grounds for refusal and that it was considering what steps to take next.
The proposed wind farm, located east of Aberystwyth within Powys Council local authority boundary, would have had capacity of 81-89.1MW.
The proposed turbines will have a maximum tip height of 125 metres.
Mynydd y Gwynt was initially on the periphery of the Welsh government’s TAN8 Strategic Search Area D, identified as suitable for renewable energy projects following a Ministry of Defence objection.
The MoD subsequently withdrew the objection and although it was too late for the site to be included in the TAN8 guidance it made the site available for last April’s application to the Planning Inspectorate.
Image: SXC
