Introduction
Pennant Walters is developing proposals for Mynydd y Glyn Wind Farm in Rhondda Cynon Taf, approximately 3km to the west of Pontypridd.
As the proposed windfarm will generate more than 10MW of electricity it is defined as a
Development of National Significance (DNS). This means that the planning application will be submitted to the Planning and Environment Decisions Wales and considered by an Inspector with the final decision made by Welsh Ministers. More information on this process can be found here.
Pennant Walters recently submitted a scoping request to PINS to ensure the appropriate environmental studies are carried out as the proposals are developed. Click here to view.
Pennant Walters is committed to informing, engaging and consulting through the design and planning process, to ensure local communities and stakeholders have an opportunity to contribute their views and help shape the emerging proposals.
The site
The site of the proposed Mynydd y Glyn Wind Farm comprises a plateau of extensive semi-improved acid grassland used for grazing livestock with steep-sloping sides. The wider landscape surrounding the site is predominantly used for livestock grazing with plantation conifer woodland managed for forestry and small urban settlements.
The proposals:
The proposals include:
- up to seven wind turbines with a maximum blade height of 180m
- substation and transformer housing
- temporary construction compound
- temporary site offices
- crane pads and cabling
- access tracks
- construction/ improvements for an access to site
It is estimated that the wind farm will have an electrical power export capacity up to 42MW, which is equivalent to providing enough power to meet the annual electricity needs of approximately 32,000.
The wind farm will be designed with an operational life of 30 years, exporting renewable energy directly to the National Grid.
Pennant Walters has an accepted grid offer from Western Power Distribution for a 33kV connection at Upper Boat. The connection would comprise 1.5km of new line on wooden poles and a further 7.5km underground via ducting in the highway network.
Policy Support
In April 2019, the Welsh Government declared a climate emergency and published its Future Wales: The National Development Framework, which was adopted at the start of 2021. The Mynydd y Glyn site in Rhondda Cynon Taf lies to the north of Pre-assessed Area 9 for wind energy.
Proposals for Mynydd y Glyn could also make a significant contribution to Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC’s renewable energy targets and deliver wider socio-economic benefits over a 30-year period.
Community Fund
The communities in which our wind farms operate are important to us and Pennant Walters operates a community fund for each of its wind farm projects, which invests money into the local communities that surround its projects.
More information on the funding given to our other sites can be found on the individual sites pages here
Engagement/Consultation
Pennant Walters will be undertaking early engagement and statutory consultation with local councillors, stakeholders and residents on its emerging plans.
The first phase of public engagement on the project is taking place from 20 October to 30 November 2021 and we hope that all those interested in the proposals for Mynydd y Glyn Wind Farm will take the opportunity to engage and share their thoughts and ideas with us.
This will be followed by a statutory consultation on the detailed proposals in Spring/Summer 2022 before we finalise and submit a planning application.
For more information about the emerging proposal for Mynydd y Glyn Wind Farm, please go to the project webpage: www.mynydd-y-glyn.co.uk
Contact us
Grasshopper Communications is managing the engagement and consultation for this project on behalf of Pennant Walters. If you have any queries or require further information about the engagement or consultation process, please contact them in one of the following ways:
Call: 01443 548032