Coychurch Higher Community Council

Coychurch Higher Community Council - representation on the Mynydd y Gaer Wind Project Pre-Application Consultation:

 

To whom it may concern,

Please accept this representation as a reflection of the opinion of residents of Coychurch Higher who have approached the Community Council Members with their point of view regarding Cenin’s proposed wind farm on Mynydd y Gaer.  Whilst these residents support renewable energy, the general consensus of opinion we received is that Mynydd y Gaer is not suitable for Cenin’s proposed wind farm project for the following reasons:-

Structure of the mountain:

Residents have raised safety concerns regarding the stability of the area for the proposed development.  These concerns include fear of landslide due to the construction being on land with historical mining and underground workings. There are no official records to ascertain the exact location of underground mine activity in the area, which has led to concerns whether the landscape will safely support the proposed turbines.

Some of our residents in closest proximity to the proposed wind turbine sites are reliant on spring water to operate their farms and dwellings. There are concerns that the proposed construction work could disrupt quality and supply of said water.

Residents have voiced concerns about the amount of concrete and aggregates that will be required for this project potentially altering the existing water course. This could cause increased risk of flooding and damage to roads at lower level residential areas.

Biodiversity:

Concerns have been expressed regarding the welfare of certain animals including bats, barn owls and kites as well as many ground dwelling species which are essential to the biodiversity of this location.  This natural habitat has been an unspoilt safe haven which will be changed forever if this proposed development goes ahead. 

Furthermore, issues have been raised regarding the protection of peat in the area. Any destruction of these areas of peat is in contradiction to the Welsh Governments’ programme to restore peatland in Wales as it provides important stores of carbon and support for key habitats and species.

Landscape and Wellbeing:

Mynydd y Gaer is used by a large number of people for recreation and wellbeing purposes. The area is considered to be one of Bridgend County’s last unspoilt natural areas. Construction of these wind turbines will disrupt the availability of this space and will forever change this peaceful, open landscape. The feedback we have received from the community is that Mynydd y Gaer is a beautiful, rugged and visually unaltered landscape and should therefore be protected. The wind turbines will introduce a modern industrial aspect which is not sympathetic to our rural landscape.

Many residents have highlighted the Welsh Government enlisted Tan 8 report which deemed this area as “wholly unsuitable” for wind turbines.  Whilst we are aware that Tan 8 is no longer valid, the points that it raised should still be relevant as there has been no changes to the landscape. 

History:

Residents are concerned about the disturbance of historically important archaeological remains and burial sites on Mynydd y Gaer. There are potentially unearthed sites which could be destroyed during construction. 

Effects on Residents:

Residents have expressed concerns regarding excess noise during the construction phase and during the ongoing operation of the turbines.  Although noise surveys have been conducted, the results have not been made available to some residents at close proximity to the wind turbines, despite this information being requested. 

Some dwellings are located in close proximity to these wind turbines, which at this time will include the installation of the largest onshore turbines in the UK. Concerns have been raised regarding personal safety in the event of  fire, lightning strike, blade and brake failure. 

Residents have raised issues regarding the potential levels of light pollution. At the time of Cenin’s pre-application consultation meeting in Heol-y-Cyw, information was not available regarding the project plans for aircraft warning lights.

After listening to the concerns of local people, Coychurch Higher Community Council object to Cenin’s proposed Wind Farm on Mynydd y Gaer. This is based on the perceived significant adverse impact of the development on members of our community.

 

Yours faithfully,

 

Coychurch Higher Community Council