Powys County Council's planning committee voted on Wednesday, July 8, to defer a decision on a meteorological mast proposed by Garreg Fawr Energy Park Limited, a subsidiary of Bute Energy, near Brecon. The deferral came after newly elected Liberal Democrat councillor Colin Millichap requested additional time to consult residents in his ward.
New Councillor Seeks Resident Input
Cllr Millichap, elected to represent the Yscir with Honddu Isaf and Llanddew ward on July 3, told the committee: 'I was only elected last Friday and have had little time to gain the opinion of the residents of the ward.' He noted that the ward had been unrepresented since May 8, when the former councillor, Iain McIntosh, was elected to the Senedd. The committee voted 5-2 in favour of deferral, with one abstention.
Proposal Details and Objections
The application seeks permission for a meteorological mast and associated structure for a five-year duration at land south of Ffynnon Ffrydyll, Merthyr Cynog, between Sennybridge and Brecon. Garreg Fawr Energy Park Limited ultimately aims to construct 22 wind turbines, each up to 220 metres tall, at the site. Senior planning officer Catherine James recommended approval, noting that objections focused on the potential wind farm rather than the mast itself.
Residents, including academic Professor Carla Edgley and a retired planning expert, presented objections. Prof Edgley challenged the application's evidence base, claiming 'serious gaps' and questioning whether it was 'reliable and complete enough' for a decision. She also highlighted that Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority's objection remained unresolved. Planning agent Jack Pugsley countered that statutory consultees had not raised objections.
Next Steps
The committee agreed to revisit the application at its next meeting, allowing Cllr Millichap time to gather resident feedback. The deferral does not affect the separate planning process for the wind turbines.
