Latest news with #PEDW
North Wales Live
15-07-2025
- General
- North Wales Live
'Door still open' to landowners as Gwynedd planners approve footpath proposal
The "door is still open" for landowners to offer an alternative route after a proposal for the creation of a 2.4km stretch of public footpath crossing private farm land was approved by planners. The decision by Cyngor Gwynedd's planning committee could eventually lead to the development of a route crossing the private property of Fferm Afonwen, Glanllynnau and Tŷ'n Morfa between Pwllheli and Criccieth. The scheme aims to improve use of the coastal path in the Gwynedd region by avoiding a "significant" diversion along the busy A497. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter - sent every Tuesday The new route would follow closer to the coast than the existing route, avoiding a 5.3km detour. It also would link a public footpath in the Llanystumdwy community and an unclassified road, referred to as the "road from the A497 Afonwen roundabout to the south towards the railway". If it goes ahead, the route would run on the landward side of the railway line in the coastal area around Afonwen Farm, and Glanllynnau Farm, before following a track under the railway line to Tŷ'n Morfa, near Chwilog. The coastal path in Gwynedd is 180 miles long and forms part of the wider 870-mile All Wales Coastal Path project. Despite approval, the scheme would see a further public consultation, as part of a statutory process, including the involvement of various bodies, including affected landowners. The meeting was told, and the report noted: "Landowners had refused the offer to discuss the matter, but had clearly and politely stated from the outset that they will not agree to the proposal." A planning officer told the meeting that "the door is always open to the landowner to offer an alternative route". The committee agreed to the recommendation, to approve the submission of a Path Creation Order, under section 26 of the Highways Act 1980, to ensure public access over 2.63km of land in private ownership. It also accepted that if an objection to the order is not received, or should an objection be received, and which is withdrawn at a later date, that the Order is approved. And, if an objection is received which is not withdrawn, the council submits it to PEDW [Planning and Environment Decisions Wales]. Planning officers asserted it was not the council that would make the ultimate decision to create a footpath, but PEDW. The council was of the opinion that the route was "the best option". The local member, Cllr Rhys Tudor, welcomed the scheme in principal. He said: "It is nice to see plans that follow the coastal line." He queried the route being on the land side of the railway, and felt a route even closer to the coast would be "desirable". "It would be good to hear the views of the landowners," he added. Cllr Anne Lloyd Jones proposed approval. She said: "Hopefully, the landowners will approach the officers and discuss this, because in the end it is better for them to be involved, they may be able to offer something better." Seconding, Cllr Elin Hywel wanted to support the application, saying it was "great to see the coastal path being developed, it will encourage more people to make use of it and we should support this". She added: "It is an excellent idea, I use the existing path and walking on the road section does change the feel of the path, and that section of road is extra busy." Queries over the use of the route by horse riders were also discussed, but it was noted that it ran close to the railway, there was a dead end, and 12 steps to be crossed, so it was deemed "not practical to upgrade it to a bridleway".
South Wales Argus
12-07-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Could massive solar farms damage the Gwent Levels?
The call comes as the Welsh Government considers a new application to build a solar farm on the ecologically sensitive Gwent Levels. Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) is currently reviewing the controversial Wentlooge Solar development. The proposed 318-acre site has sparked fierce debate, following damning evidence of environmental destruction caused by a similar solar project at Llanwern. Geoff Devlin of Stop Craig y Perthi—a campaign opposing another proposed solar farm near Bishton—said: "To influence debate in the Senedd, people need to be aware of and discussing the key issues. There is now clear evidence of serious environmental damage caused by the Llanwern solar site, and people must pressure politicians. It's the only way to influence those in the Senedd." PEDW is ruling on the Wentlooge site after operators RWE appealed a previous rejection under Development of National Significance (DNS) rules. The Welsh Government's 2019 declaration of a climate emergency may bolster RWE's case, as the site could be seen as contributing to climate policy goals. The legal battle coincides with a Welsh Government-commissioned study into the Llanwern solar plant—built entirely within two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)—which revealed catastrophic impacts on wildlife and water quality. Lapwing breeding pairs dropped from eight to two, with no successful nesting recorded in 2023. Shrill carder bee and brown-banded carder bee populations plummeted, likely due to herbicide use and failed wildflower planting. Bat activity declined sharply. The rare Eurasian crane, once seen as a hopeful returnee to the Levels, has vanished. The report also highlights dangerous pollutants—including cadmium and lead—leaking into the reens and ditches, vital waterways that support otters, water voles, and rare aquatic flora. These findings were presented at PEDW hearings, raising urgent questions about whether mitigation measures can ever succeed in such a fragile ecosystem. Gwent Wildlife Trust CEO Natalie Buttriss stated: "Mitigation has failed catastrophically. The proposed Wentlooge site is even larger than Llanwern and poses an even greater threat to this irreplaceable landscape." Campaigners emphasize they are not opposed to solar energy, but argue that developments must avoid nationally protected areas. Only 12% of Wales is designated as SSSI, and these fragments, they say, should be sacrosanct. With vast areas of non-designated land available, they urge the Welsh Government to redirect solar projects away from sensitive habitats. The Gwent Levels—often dubbed Wales's Amazon—are home to a rich mosaic of wildlife. Magor Marsh, a flagship reserve of Gwent Wildlife Trust, preserves one of the last remaining pieces of natural fenland in Britain. From cuckoos and warblers to kingfishers and wintering teal, the area supports biodiversity year-round. The reens, unique to the Levels, remain a haven for water voles—one of the UK's fastest declining mammals. Public support for protecting the Levels is growing, with backing from naturalists Iolo Williams, Gillian Burke, and Lizzie Daly, and authors Julian Hoffman and Horatio Clare. As PEDW prepares its decision, campaigners warn that approval could set a precedent for industrial-scale development on protected land. Meanwhile, green energy giant RWE still operates lignite power stations in Central Europe. Lignite is a highly invasive and inefficient source of carbon energy. RWE has committed to phasing out all lignite sites by 2030.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘Species could be wiped out' if new solar farm is built in Wales, planners told
Species could be wiped out if a new solar farm is built in the Gwent Levels, planners heard on Wednesday. Plans for a solar farm at Wentlooge on the Levels south of Newport are being considered this week by Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW). The application has been submitted by Wentlooge Farmers Solar Scheme Ltd, funded by Next Energy Capital, and would cover 318 acres of the levels landscape. If approved it will be there for 40 years. Wildlife such as lapwings, skylarks, geese, and shrill carder bees are among the hundreds of species to use the Wentlooge site, which falls within the levels site of special scientific interest (SSSI), and on Wednesday the hearing heard there was still uncertainty over how solar panels in the ground would affect biodiversity there. READ MORE: The best photos as people enjoy Barry Island on hottest day of the year so far READ MORE: Welsh opera star Stuart Burrows dies aged 92 The hearing is of particular importance because Wentlooge is one of seven renewable energy parks planned for the Gwent Levels by developers. If they are all approved it would significantly change the landscape for decades and campaigners who say this planning decision could set a precedent for development on the levels and argue the land will never recover. So far there is one solar farm on the levels – the Llanwern solar park near Nash where it is clear that since panels went into the ground five years ago the population of lapwings has diminished considerably. While planning inspector Melissa Hall urged caution in drawing comparisons between the apparent 'failures' in mitigation efforts at the Llanwern site and what might happen if the site at Wentlooge was to be covered in panels as the only viable case study the Llanwern solar park did form the basis of much discussion during the first day of the hearing on Wednesday. The Wentlooge developer, represented by Stephen Humphreys, told the hearing there are lapwings at the Llanwern site, albeit the land specifically covered by panels has seen a decrease in lapwings. They asked to be given time and said the project was only in its fifth year out of 40 years. The developer's ecologist Jon Garner, who has also worked for the developer at Llanwern, took exception to the inference that the Llanwern solar park had failed in its mitigation attempts for lapwings. He said: 'Just to reiterate this is early days. We are only looking at four years of results [for the Llanwern site]. It's too early to establish the long-term impact on species. 'It's fair to acknowledge that the results haven't been brilliant. But lapwings have continued to breed around the scheme. On a positive note this year our surveys have shown breeding within the panels from lapwings for the first time.' Dr Michael Bowes, representing Friends of the Gwent Levels, said: 'I'm confused by that approach. It seems a wait and see approach would clearly favour the applicant. How long [to wait]? It's very unclear. You may have a species here which may or may not be wiped out. We have a lot of uncertainty here. 'This is a moving target. This hearing is not about giving the applicant flexibility to learn. To proceed despite doubt would be inconsistent with the planning policy.' SSSI land covers 12% of all land in Wales. The Welsh Government's own planning policy guidance states developing on a SSSI should only be approved if there is wholly exceptional need and if the development is considered necessary for the management of the SSSI. Developers targeting the Gwent Levels for renewable energy are arguing that the current chase to reach net zero by the end of the decade is a global emergency. This map shows how applications for renewable development would cover the levels: Mr Humphreys said: 'From a 'wholly exceptional' point of view it's important to highlight that the policy describes renewable energy as being of 'paramount importance'. ''Paramount' means 'more important than anything else' or 'supreme'. That is a specific use of that word. It's incredibly important and perhaps the most important point within the planning policy.' Wentlooge Farmers Solar Scheme Ltd argue that the SSSI at Wentlooge is currently failing its targets. The developer said its solar panels would not only mitigate but 'enhance' biodiversity. Mr Humphreys said: 'The suggestion seems to be that this scheme would cause harm to the SSSI. The developer absolutely refutes that. 'Natural Resources Wales agrees that mitigation and restoration should lead to the improved condition of the SSSI. The current state of the SSSI is poor.' Lindy Marshall, senior development planning advisor for Natural Resources Wales (NRW), clarified what NRW thinks. She said: 'We don't believe this development is necessary for the overall management of the SSSI.' She also described the current performance of the Wentlooge site as 'suboptimal' rather than poor. The land at the Gwent Levels is being targeted by developers because of its flat geology and proximity to the grid hookup. Mike Webb of the Gwent Wildlife Trust asked the hearing why other areas which are not SSSI areas had not been looked at. He said: 'There are many developments in the pipeline on the Gwent Levels. Can they all be exceptional? The developer goes on to say the nature emergency is wholly exceptional. "It's becoming more apparent that the developer is a minority of one in saying this development isn't damaging.' Prior to the hearing CEO of the Gwent Wildlife Trust Natalie Buttriss said: "'If development like this is allowed on SSSIs in Wales it will set a precedent. "In terms of important landscapes and biodiversity corridors in Wales it opens doors to that not being valued or seen as important. It would just completely change the characteristics of the area for communities too. 'On one field you'd have giant solar panels and on the other you'd have a biodiverse criss-cross of waterways that it is at the moment. That's what people would see as they walked the Wales coastal path." The hearing continues on Thursday. 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Wales Online
02-07-2025
- General
- Wales Online
'This will irretrievably damage a nationally important landscape teeming with wildlife'
'This will irretrievably damage a nationally important landscape teeming with wildlife' A huge solar farm would cover a vast area of the Gwent Levels A Planning and Environment Decisions Wales hearing will this week decide whether a huge solar farm can be constructed at the Gwent Levels SSSI (Image: John Myers ) The CEO of a charity working to protect one of Wales' most important areas of land has spoken of her fear about the impact of a major development being considered by the Welsh Government this week. On Wednesday and Thursday Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) are considering proposals for a new solar farm at Wentlooge on the Gwent Levels site of special scientific interest (SSSI). The application has been submitted by Wentlooge Farmers Solar Scheme Ltd, funded by Next Energy Capital, and would cover 318 acres of the Levels landscape. If approved it will be there for 40 years. There is already one solar farm on the Levels border at Llanwern while there are another seven planning applications for further renewable energy developments in the pipeline for the Levels alone. You can see a map below showing just how the applications could change the whole landscape of one of the country's most important landscapes. CEO of the wildlife trust Natalie Buttriss told WalesOnline ahead of the first day of the PEDW hearing for the Wentlooge plans: 'If this gets approved we believe it will open the floodgates to all the other applications bubbling along in the pipeline and before you know it a third of the Levels landscape or more could be covered by solar panels and the like. It's a landscape that's taken millions of years to develop both from a biodiversity point of view but also culturally. Article continues below 'If development like this is allowed on SSSIs in Wales it will set a precedent. In terms of important landscapes and biodiversity corridors in Wales it opens doors to that not being valued or seen as important. It would just completely change the characteristics of the area for communities too. 'On one field you'd have giant solar panels and on the other you'd have a biodiverse criss-cross of waterways that it is at the moment. That's what people would see as they walked the Wales coastal path." Map shows how applications for renewable development would cover the Levels Solar farms which could soon be in or around the Gwent Levels Future Energy Llanwern Land to the south of Llanwern Steelworks Would be the biggest solar farm in Wales with the capacity to provide enough green energy to power more than 100,000 homes Applicant is Future Energy Llanwern Ltd Funded by Next Energy Capital Potentially the UK's largest solar farm at 400 MW - enough to deliver 8% of Wales' household energy needs - covering approximately 2.5 square km In the pre-application process - application will be determined by the UK Government because of its size Craig y Perthi Solar Farm Surrounding the village of Bishton to the east and west Erection of a solar farm comprising ground mounted, fixed position solar panels, with a combined installed generating capacity of up to 99.9 MW, underground cabling, grid connection, associated infrastructure, landscaping and environmental enhancements, for a period of up to 40 years Applicant is RWE Renewables Funded by RWE Renewables 334 acres, capacity to produce 99.9 megawatts Planning application submitted and consultation period completed. The application is being examined by the Welsh Government and a decision is expected in April 2025 Rushwall Solar Park Rushwall Lane, Redwick The installation of a solar park with an approximate design capacity of 75MW. Development includes ancillary electrical equipment and infrastructure, access tracks, security fencing and CCTV Applicant is Rushwall Solar Park Ltd Funded by BSR Energy 210 acres, capacity to produce 75 MW Dismissed by the Welsh Government as potentially harmful to the landscape but decision overturned at judicial review and application expected to be redetermined by PEDW Atlantic Eco Park Solar Farm Newton Road, Rumney Installation of a solar park and ancillary development Applicant is Atlantic Eco Park Ltd Funded by Dauson Environmental Group 67 acres, capacity to produce 15 MW Planning application at pre-submission stage Wentlooge Renewables Energy Hub Land on the Wentlooge Levels to the west of Hawse Lane Erection of a renewable energy hub comprising ground mounted solar panels, battery storage units (160 units) with a combined installed generating capacity of up to 125 MW, underground cabling, grid connection hub, associated infrastructure, landscaping and environmental enhancements for a temporary period of 40 years Applicant is Wentlooge Farmers Solar Scheme Limited Funded by Next Energy Capital 318 acres, capacity to produce 125 MW Dismissed by the Welsh Government as potentially harmful to the landscape but decision overturned at judicial review and application expected to be redetermined by PEDW Magor Net Zero Land south of Magor, Monmouthshire Would power a linked green hydrogen plant to be constructed at the town's Budweiser brewery and decarbonise the brewery and its fleet of HGV delivery vehicles transporting beer around the UK Applicant is Protium Green Solutions Would generate approximately 15.3 MW from the 53-hectare solar farm with a 3.5MW, 105m-high wind turbine also on site. The solar farm would have 3,000 rows of 17 photovoltaic panels in eight groups. The linked electrolyser at the brewery would cover 5.3 hectares and house a 17.4 MW electrolyser and hydrogen and battery storage Planning advice sought from Welsh Government She added: 'We need to stress that we are not opposed to solar energy, simply that such developments need to be located on land where they will not irretrievably damage a nationally important and designated landscape, teeming with wildlife. It also needs to be stressed that only 12 per cent of Wales' total land area is made up of SSSIs, these small fragments should be sacrosanct. " Developers have targeted the Levels because it is flat meaning it is easy to build on and attracts more sunlight than other areas. They have also targeted the land because of the easy connection to the national grid hookup, excess energy from the now abandoned Llanwern steelworks, and the proximity to the M4 motorway. Those reasons make it easier and cheaper for development companies to propose building on it without looking at other more costly options. But the campaigners have long argued that no significant development of this nature should take place on the Levels. Currently Welsh Government planning guidance on the issue of building on SSSIs in Wales states no-one should be allowed to build on SSSIs unless in wholly exceptional need. Development companies argue that this is an emergency situation with Wales targeting net zero by 2030. Opposers to that say they've seen an opportunity to take a swathe of land in Wales and make money quickly and easily. Campaigners say they are not against clean energy quickly but it needs to be situated in appropriate areas (Image: John Myers ) Ms Buttriss explained: 'In one breath the Welsh Government is saying how wonderfully significant the Gwent Levels are for their biodiversity value and on the other the planning guidance is not saying: 'Do not develop on the Gwent Levels under any circumstances.' It's the 'under any circumstances' which we've been campaigning for. 'This isn't just a Gwent Levels issue, it's a Wales issue in protecting just 12% of the land designated as SSSI. There is another 88% of Wales which could be developed on with renewable energy.' Ms Buttriss stressed that the trust is not against renewable energy. 'There is a global crisis, but it doesn't make sense to try and resolve one environmental biodiversity crisis by creating another," she explained. A frosty morning over the Gwent Levels reveals a serene landscape, with shimmering frost crystals blanketing the wetlands, reflecting the soft hues of dawn (Image: John Myers ) There is limited evidence currently showing the impact renewable development could have on the biodiversity of the Levels, but there is one case study which is important at Llanwern where a solar farm has been built. In the years since the development was finished at Llanwern evidence suggests lapwing and bat populations have disappeared. Ms Buttriss added: 'We know that after several years of monitoring, and that's the Welsh Government monitoring, that mitigation isn't working." She added: "This is a really special area which has been created over millennia. "Each one of these ditches and waterways all has intricate ecosystems of different insects and plants and animals which has developed over hundreds and thousands of years and the microhabitats make it wonderful to watch. Article continues below "It's a mosaic of different wildlife surviving from this quite complex development over the years. It's crucial we do everything we can to keep it that way."
South Wales Argus
26-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Pisgah Church, Talywain flats plan rejection appeal ruling
The church that has been vacant for six years would have been converted into six flats in a development a council acknowledged would have provided 'much needed housing'. But the plans for the former Pisgah Baptist Church, in Talywain, Pontypool were refused in October last year as applicant Beth Jones disputed Torfaen Borough Council's position she should carry out further surveys to check if the tiny mammals were roosting in the church that dates back to the 1820s. A preliminary roost survey in April, last year, found no evidence of bats internally or externally but did identify a number of potential roosting features. The report recommended a further two dusk emergence surveys be carried out during May and September, described as 'optimum bat season'. Ms Jones' agent suggested the council grant permission and require the further surveys be attached as a condition however Torfaen Borough Council said that wasn't acceptable as it wouldn't be able to establish whether there would be adverse impact on bats which are a protected species. That position has now been upheld by an independent planning inspector after Ms Jones appealed the decision to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales known as PEDW. READ MORE: Torfaen council broke bat protection rules in school refurb Inspector C Sweet said they considered it a 'reasonable likelihood' bats are present in the building based on its condition and their observations. Sweet said the Welsh Government's technical advice notice 'makes clear that it is essential' the presence of protected species, and the potential impact of developments, is established before planning permission is granted and also states permission shouldn't be granted with conditions attached. They also said while they acknowledged Ms Jones' 'intention to avoid harm to biodiversity' she hadn't followed the approach to maintaining and enhancing biodiversity, as set out in Welsh planning policy, and there wasn't sufficient information for any impact on bats to be assessed. Sweet did say: 'The proposal would make some contribution to the supply of housing locally and may also result in a degree of benefit to the local economy. However, such benefits would be modest and would not outweigh the harm to biodiversity interests that I have identified.'
