Wind Turbine on Drummau Mountain

A planning application has been submitted for a 77 metre high wind turbine on Drummau mountain.  Bryncoch Environment Group supports Green Alternative Energy but believes the limited output that would be generated by this turbine does not mitigate the heavy environmental, economic and historical losses to our community.

You can object to this planning application, if you so wish.
You can submit your observations to the Council via any of the following methods: -

ONLINE: directly through the Council's Online Planning Applications Register by searching for the relevant application and clicking the 'Comment' button.
BY EMAIL: to planning@npt.gov.uk.
BY POST: By writing to the following address : - Development Control, Neath Port Talbot Council, The Quays, Brunel Way, Baglan Energy Park, SA11 2GG.

It's most important that you cite the Planning Application No. P2015/0187 and the name of the case officer Paul Colman in your correspondence. 

In order to present the strongest possible case you need to employ certain key words and not simply complain, for instance, that a turbine might 'spoil your view' or 'devalue your property'. You need to relate your own personal objections to wider notions to which the planning authorities must have regard for the well being of their communities, e.g. query whether the potential wind generation capacity of this turbine would justify the environmental, social and visual disruption it would cause at this location. Ask what would be the biodiversity impact? Question whether the archaeological, historical and cultural integrity of this site might be compromised by this structure?

Here is some further information to back your case.

1. A loss of visual amenity. 
The planned turbine would be seen above the skyline not only by those nearest to it in the now heavily populated Bryncoch village but would be visible over a very wide area including Neath town itself and as far afield as Baglan and Cimla as is demonstrated  in the planning documents. It would impact visually on thousands of Neath Port Talbot Council residents.

2) The damage to the natural and recreational environment it poses. This is a significant area, seen by a large percentage of the Neath area population and one they can freely enjoy. The building of a 77 metre turbine and the necessary associated structures needed, which include the building of an access road, would significantly impact on this mountain top location. How would this structure be transported on to the mountain top along steep, curving forestry roads? It has been found too that the construction of access roads for turbines has opened up formerly remote and peaceful locations to off road motor cyclists and 4x4 drivers. Horse riding is popular on Drummau but riders might well find their mounts spooked by the giant structure and its revolving turbines. The mountain top might lose its special quality for walkers, riders, cyclists and climbers if this huge structure were to be permitted.

3. The threat to an archaeologically and historically important location. The planning documents cite that "Within 3km of the proposed wind turbine location there are: nine Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs) and two Grade II* Listed Buildings. Within 2km of the proposed development there are eight Grade II listed buildings." In fact, a number of these Scheduled Ancient Monuments are actually within a couple of hundred metres of the planned structure as can be seen from the maps. The turbine would be built close to and completely overawe the prehistoric Carreg Bica standing stone. This ancient marker is surrounded by myth and legend and close by too are also scheduled ancient burial cairns and house platforms.

4. Mynydd Drummau inspired Alfred Russel Wallace - the world famous botanist who arrived at the same conclusions about evolution as Charles Darwin with whom he collaborated - to take up his study of the subject from his walks on the mountain when he lived in this area from 1841. It was during his stay at the Bryncoch Farm that Wallace’s fascination with nature developed as he relates in his autobiography. Neath Port Talbot Council's Alfred Russel Wallace Trail booklet is aimed at encouraging people to enjoy locations associated with this world-renowned botanist and the tourist potential might be adversely affected by a turbine placed here.

At a time when there are concerns about obesity among all ages of the population and a drive to get people exercising and enjoying the outdoors, here we have a woodland and mountain top area that is free to access. It has no revenue implications for Neath Port Talbot Council at a time when other parkland and outdoor leisure facilities are suffering sweeping cuts backs. The people of this area contributed thousands of pounds to enable the Woodland Trust to purchase the land on the flanks of the mountain to enjoy its tranquility and scenic beauty. 

This is not an attack on wind generation in general. This area does more than its fair share to meet Wales's target in this respect as can be seen from the many turbines that dot the hillsides hereabouts. But we desperately need to ensure that some pockets of our ancient landscape remain in their natural state. 'Walking Drummau' has long been valued by generations of people for the tranquility and the feeling of remoteness it has offered whilst in close proximity to heavily populated and formerly industrialised communities. Please try to ensure by submitting your own objection and encouraging others to do so that this threat to our environment and our heritage is defeated.

A sample letter of objection is also available should you wish to use it.  This can be copied and pasted to send to Neath Port Talbot Council, either by e mail, post or online through the Council's online planning application register.