AM team to fight for windfarm handouts if Gwynt-y-Mor is given go-ahead off Llandudno

Dec 11 2008 by Judith Phillips, North Wales Weekly News

A PANEL of politicians could try to get compensation for coastal communities if the massive Gwynt-y-Môr windfarm project goes ahead.

First minister Rhodri Morgan came up with the suggestion when questioned by Aberconwy AM Gareth Jones, who has been campaigning against the windfarm being built so close to Llandudno.

Mr Jones fears an impact on the local economy if tourists are put off visiting Llandudno because of the visual impact of the 250 turbine windfarm, which was approved by the Government last week.

Energy company npower renewables has offered £1m a year over 50 years to coastal communities in North Wales and the Wirral, but Mr Jones says this isn’t enough.

“I asked Mr Morgan if he would consider allowing his officials to advise small communities in the north how to maximise the potential financial gain in future negotiations with npower renewables,” he said.

“It seems smaller communities especially would value professional assistance of that kind. I am interested in his idea of a panel of AMs to help those negotiations if it means a better deal can be gained and I will be contacting colleagues to progress the idea.

“Seeking the maximum community gain at a time when local authorities are squeezed and during an economic downturn seems to be appropriate and timely.

“Of course, this is all contingent on the scheme actually going ahead and whether or not there will be a judicial review of the Government decision,” he said.

Meanwhile, objectors are going ahead with a public meeting in Llandudno on Sunday at which environmental campaigner David Bellamy will speak against the project, and they are also taking legal advice about a judicial review of the Government’s decision in the High Court.

The seminar at which David Bellamy and former Government scientific adviser Professor Mike Hall will be the main speakers was organised by protest group Save our Scenery (SOS) before the project was given the go ahead.

“We decided to continue with it after speaking to David Bellamy and Prof Hall who are both disgusted by the Government’s decision and want to make their feelings known in a public forum,” said Mike Pritchard of SOS.

The group has also consulted a London solicitor about a judicial review.

“Donations to help pay for this are starting to come in. Many people are very angry about what has happened and are anxious to help us fight this,” he added.

The Bellamy and Hall seminar is at Llandudno town hall at 10am on Sunday.

judith.phillips