The Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy – Janet Finch-Saunders MS - has welcomed the news that key changes have been made to a proposed offshore wind farm off Llandudno after a public consultation. Awel y Môr would sit over about 10.5km off the coast of Llandudno to the west of the existing Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm.
Following concerns raised during a recent consultation about the visual impact of the wind farm, a statement from the developers makes clear that the offshore array area has been reduced on its western side, resulting in a 26% reduction from the original project design in 2020. In addition to this, the maximum number of turbines that can be built has been significantly reduced from 91 to between 35-50.
Commenting on the news, Janet said:
“I welcome the news that the plans for this scheme are to be scaled back. This is a positive step in the right direction as it recognises the wide-ranging concerns of local constituents and businesses with regards to the potential knock-on impact of this long-running project.
“Having met with the developers and other such stakeholders, I was clear that the initial proposals would have negatively altered the world-famous vista of the Queen of Welsh Resorts, as well as having a potential impact on our bird and marine life. I also raised concerns about the nighttime visuals.
“I would like to sincerely thank all of the local residents and businesses who participated in the recent consultation regarding the Awel y Môr scheme. Given that Covid-19 saw this consultation shift largely online and outside, I am pleased to see that the views submitted have had an impact.
“I will continue to maintain a watching brief of the immediate local situation, whilst also continuing to call on the Welsh Government to review what protections it might consider implementing for seaside communities where the main tourist attraction is the coastal horizon.”
ENDS
Photo: by Brady Bellini on Unsplash
