Blasting for windfarm bid.Byline: Peter Collins A STORM is brewing over plans to build a massive offshore windfarm that could be seen from Barry and parts of the Vale of Glamorgan Heritage Coast. The scheme involves building 30 wind turbines, each of them 433 feet above mean water level, in the area of Scarweather Sands, a sandbank sand·bank n. A ridge of sand forming a mound, shoal, or hillside. sandbank or sand bar Noun a bank of sand in a sea or river, that may be exposed at low tide Noun 1. west of Porthcawl. The project by United Utilities Green Energy Ltd is in its early stages. A detailed environmental impact assessment will have to be prepared before the National Assembly makes a decision on the scheme. But concerns have already been expressed about the possible visual impact of the windfarm and its effect on sand resources in the area. The Vale of Glamorgan Council The Vale of Glamorgan Council is the governing body for the Vale of Glamorgan, one of the Principal Areas of Wales. Electoral divisions The county is divided into 23 electoral wards returning 47 councillors. is holding back on commenting in detail on the proposal until the environmental impact assessment has been completed. But Coun Tony Williams
Anthony Tillmon "Tony" Williams (December 12, 1945 – February 23, 1997) was an American jazz drummer. , chairman of the council's planning committee planning committee n (in local government) → comité m de planificación , said: ``We shall have to watch this one very carefully. ``The turbines would be of a tremendous height and on a clear day they would undoubtedly be visible from Barry.'' Rob Quick, the Vale's director of environmental and economic regeneration, said: ``At its closest, the site of the proposed windfarm is some seven miles from the nearest part of the Vale of Glamorgan at Ogmore by Sea. ``The development would be visible as a distant feature from Ogmore-by-Sea and in clear weather from elevated locations as far south east as Nash Point Nash Point is a headland and beach in the Vale of Glamorgan in south Wales. It is a popular location for ramblers and hiking along the cliffs. A short circular walk of 4 miles from the lighthouses at Nash Point to St Donats can be accessed along the cliff tops. , including large parts of the Heritage Coast cliffs. ``The acceptability of such visibility is difficult to assess as the turbines would be viewed against an uninterrupted horizon. ``But it appears from the proposed dimensions that the degree of visibility would be similar to that of the existing Taff Ely windfarm as viewed from elevated locations around Cowbridge. ``Any offshore development may have potential effects on currents and sand movements, which may affect both the currently worked dredging areas at Nash Bank and Helwick Bank, and sand reserves on the coast.'' Mr Quick added: ``We will need to pay due regard to the council objectives relating to environmental improvement when responding to any subsequent consultation.'' CAPTION(S): CONTROVERSIAL A wind turbine. |
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