Developers to appeal on Conwy Valley windfarm

DEVELOPERS may press on with plans for a controversial 12-turbine windfarm in North Wales even though a council rejected it this week, it emerged yesterday.

Conwy councillors threw out the proposed Mwdwl Eithin scheme in Cerrigydrudion against the advice of officers, who recommended it for approval.

But developers Nuon Renewables yesterday wouldn't rule out appealing against the decision which was taken at a tense meeting at Bodlondeb.

Nuon spokesman Al Hanagan said: We need to review what exactly happened at this meeting. We need to establish with the authority what the decision was and the reason for it. If you are asking me whether it is dead in the water, the answer is no."

Clwyd West AM Darren Millar welcomed Conwy councillors' refusal of the scheme which is in his constituency.

Mr Millar, the Assembly shadow minister for the environment and planning, said: "This is great news for the countryside. The decision not to grant the application went against the recommendation of local authority planning officers, but represented the views of the majority of local residents.

"I'm pleased that councillors had the courage to say no despite the advice they were given."

The AM warned developers Nuon may appeal.

"Whilst this is certainly good news for now, we must proceed with caution. There is still the possibility that this decision will go to appeal. So I urge those who are concerned to continue to lobby their elected representatives.'

He said Mwdwl Eithin is in the heart of the Welsh countryside.

Mr MiIlar said everyone wants more sustainable and renewable energy and wind power certainly has a role to play.

But he called for "sensitivity to the effects of wind farms on local communities" and their impact on the countryside, particularly in relation to tourism.