Countryside Charity Welcomes Decision to Protect Landscapes

Countryside Charity Welcomes Decision to Protect Landscapes

Press Release
10^th March 2025

The Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales (CPRW) welcomes the refusal of the Pen March onshore wind farm as it would have had devastating impacts on the Bannau Brycheiniog national park and surrounding countryside.

The proposed 6 x 180m turbine, wind farm, located north-east of Merthyr Tydfil and north-west of the small town of Rhymney would have been catastrophic on the environment.

Kim Allen, Chair of the local Glamorgan and Valleys branch of CPRW, said; “This development was just too close to one of our cherished landscapes, and while we do need more renewable energy, this should not be at the expense of our environment and heritage”.

The proposal was relatively low in output, such that the decision was not taken by a Welsh Cabinet Secretary but delegated to a planning inspector.

Dr Jonathan Dean, CPRW Trustee, said; “This sets a precedent for proposals in close proximity to designated landscapes, and should result in the refusal of Foel Fach, Carnedd Wen and Esgair Ddu which all border Eryri National Park . Depending on where the boundaries are drawn for the new national park in NE Wales it could also be the end of the Gaerwen and Mynydd Mawr proposals.
We have ample potential from offshore wind to easily achieve net zero so there really is no reason for onshore wind farms in these locations”.

Jonty Colchester, Chairman of CPRW, explains the Welsh Countryside Charity believes in a future powered by renewable energy.

 Jonty Colchester, CPRW Chairman said; “We are fully supportive of wind, solar and other sustainable solutions that help combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions. However, we also believe that renewable projects must respect the unique beauty, biodiversity and heritage of Wales’ rural landscapes. An alternative offshore wind industry will be based in west Wales employing Welsh people through companies paying U.K. tax. Offshore wind is more expensive, but it is twice as efficient- and we are going to have to use it even if we do cover our hills with vast turbines. Our goal is to ensure that the transition to clean energy happens responsibly, balancing progress with the protection of the countryside we all cherish”.

More information can be found on CPRW’s website cprw.org.uk.