Wind turbine approved (From Tivyside Advertiser)

Wind turbine approved

11:46am Monday 9th January 2012 in News

A controversial wind turbine on land adjacent to the West Wales Airport at Blaenannerch where unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are tested has been given the green light after a public inquiry and a Ceredigion County Council enforcement notice quashed.

Planning permission was granted for a building to manufacture bespoke furniture at Pen-Y-Bryn but planning officers maintained there was no mention of a wind turbine, something contested by applicant Patrick Dermody, who claimed the turbine was clearly visible on the plan.

After Mr. Dermody erected the 10metre high turbine with a blade sweep area of 5.5m diameter the council issued an enforcement notice for its removal leading to an appeal by Patrick, Martin and Michael Dermody.

The West Wales Airport raised concern on safety grounds because the turbine had the potential to adversely affect the UAS development and testing programme due to the effects on the automated systems involved.

But after the inquiry was opened by Alwyn B. Nixon BSc discussions between the appellants, council and airport chiefs led to an agreement that a control mechanism would be provided to enable the airport to remotely switch the turbine on and off so that it does not operate at critical times in relation to the operation of the UAS.

A letter of objection was submitted by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation on grounds that the turbine could affect radar equipment at the Qinetiq range at Aberporth.

After considering expert opinion Mr. Nixon was of the view that the effect would be negligible and there were no objections to the turbine as regards its visual and landscape impact or its effect on local residents.

Allowing the appeal the inspector said that in view of an agreement in relation to the airport having control over the turbine there would be no adverse effect on aviation interests.