'Precursor for turbines': Decision on controversial weather mast is delayed

Powys County Councillors have voted to postpone taking a decision on controversial plans for a weather mast.

Plus

Published Jun 28

Last updated Jun 28

Residents in the Staylittle, Dylife and Llwyngog area are against a weather mast proposal which could lead to a wind farm being built nearby. Source: Local

The proposal for a 122.5-metre meteorological mast was back in front of Powys County Council’s Planning, Taxi Licensing and Rights of Way meeting meeting on Thursday.

In March councillors threw out the original application even though planning officers had advised they should approve the scheme.

A fresh application for the mast near Staylittle by Esgair Galed Energy Park Limited was lodged with the council in April.

Where the weather mast and potential wind farm will be built. From Bute Energy.Esgair Galed Esgair GaledEsgair Galed - where a weather mast and wind turbine could be built. From Google Streetview.

The firm is the development vehicle for Bute Energy, who specialises in developing wind and solar energy parks.

The weather mast is seen as the precursor to a potential development of 220-metre high wind turbines earmarked for the area.

A similar weather mast - but without the red and white colours would be built at Esgair Galed. From Dulas part of the documents lodged with the application.

Residents from nearby Dylife, Staylittle and Llwynygog are already campaigning against the wind farm proposal and 99 objections to the weather mast application were received by the council during the consultation process.

Planning officers again recommended that councillors approve the application.

Dr John Bimson spoke against the proposal and explained that the mast could have a detrimental effect on endangered birds which includes several species of birds of prey.

Dr Bimson said: “Osprey should be a particular concern being a relatively new and scarce breeding species in Wales.