Powys council reassures wind developers over planning "delay"

Powys county council has dismissed claims that it will not decide on future wind farm plans until the local road network is improved as a "misunderstanding", writes Rachel Johnson.

However, the council, along with the Welsh Assembly, has hired a team of consultants to look into concerns that local transport links are "inadequate" for the needs of wind farm developers.

It explained that planning applications cannot be given a green light until negotiations with developers concerning issues are complete, and these negotiations will include ensuring that transport arrangements are sufficient.

But, chief executive Mark Kerr confirmed that there had been no decision to halt the wind farm planning process in the county.

Reports of a delay surfaced last week after Powys councillor Wynne Jones, who holds the portfolio for regeneration and development, said the council had decided to put all current and expected wind power applications on hold because of an issue with transporting the turbines to upland areas by road.

Councillor Wynne Jones was unavailable for comment. But in a statement to New Energy Focus, Mr Kerr sought to reassure developers that wind farm applications will still be considered.

He said: "The Council has not made any policy statement regarding wind farms. Currently, both the council as the local highway authority, and the Welsh Assembly Government, as highway authority for trunk roads in Wales, are in discussions with the wind farm developers regarding access issues.

"Once these negotiations are completed, both highway authorities will make recommendations to the council's planning committee," Mr Kerr said.

A spokesman for the council added that the outcome of planning applications were for the council to decide, rather than a single councillor.