Two solar farm developers are taking legal action after a Welsh Government minister refused planning permission.
Countryside Secretary Lesley Griffiths has blocked the schemes in the Gwent tiers on biodiversity grounds, despite planning inspectors recommending they get permission.
One developer has warned that he is questioning the prospect of new energy projects being created in Wales.
The Welsh Government said it could not comment on the High Court appeals.
The move was praised by others who said the solution to climate change could not come at the expense of wildlife.
The low-lying coastal landscape, which stretches from Cardiff east to Newport and Monmouthshire, is made up of salt marshes and fields marked by drainage ditches, known locally as reens.
It is home to a number of protected species, including newts, water voles, bats, otters and snakes.
Because of the nature of the landscape, conservation groups have called on the Welsh Government to have the go ahead for major development there - one large solar farm already exists near Llanwern.
The pylons run across the landscape of the levels and the sites for both schemes were chosen partly because it could be connected to the National Grid, a problem that proved
The larger of the two proposed schemes, between Marshfield and St Brides in Newport, would see a 122-hectare solar farm with the capacity to generate 125MW, enough to power 37,500 homes.
A similar, more extensive plan had already been rejected by the minister.
The inspection report said the environmental benefits outweighed the carbon footprint impact of the panel production, but the entire site was in a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Inspectors said they believed the scheme would cause "no unacceptable impacts on nationally designated conservation areas... or protected habitats and species".
But the minister said the applicants had not fully considered alternative sites and failed to demonstrate "how damage to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning was avoided".
The applicant, Wentlooge Farmers Solar Scheme Ltd, said it was "appalled and irritated".
"The refusal by Welsh ministers now points to an emerging trend where expert advice from an independent planning inspector is being ignored, casting huge doubt on the prospects for developing new energy projects in Wales and tackling the declared climate emergency," he added.
The second scheme – Rush Wall – was smaller, with a capacity of 75MW at a site near Redwick, enough to power 18,755 homes.
It was also at SSSI and the inspection report said species identified on or near the site included the Newt and the Pipistrelle Bat.
Recommending that the scheme go ahead, inspectors said the plans would benefit the SSSI's aquatic environment and the species that depended on the habitats.
However, the minister raised similar objections to the Rush Wall plans, saying alternative sites had not been fully considered.
Developer BSR Energy said: “The project's ability to connect to the UK's national electricity grid is the most significant advantage of the site.
"A power generation project of this magnitude is not achievable in most other locations within the regional area or even nationally."
Ross Evans of the Welsh Countryside Charity said: "A rapid transition to renewable energy has a vital role to play in tackling climate change. But it cannot come at the expense of nature, landscape and wildlife on the levels."
He disputed claims the decision cast doubt on the future of renewable energy, saying a map of his charity's applications going through the Welsh Government's planning scheme showed the "shocking" scale of planned development.
Catherine Linstrum, co-chair of Friends of the Gwent Levels, said it was the right decision, saying there had been a "buzz about the need to increase renewables and commercial interests see it as an opportunity to make a lot of money" at Gwent Levels.
Gwent Wildlife Trust's planning manager, Mike Webb, said that while the charity supports renewable energy, there are "tens of thousands of acres of land across Wales that are far more suitable for solar farms".
The Welsh Government said: “I can confirm that objections have been made to the decision to refuse planning permission for Wentlooge Solar Farm and Rush Wall Solar Farm.
In a heartening victory for conservation and natural beauty, a government minister has taken a decisive stand against the construction of solar farms in a beloved scenic spot. This landmark decision represents a key moment in the ongoing battle to balance the expansion of renewable energy sources and the protection of protected landscapes.
Subheading 1: The minister's bold move
In an unprecedented move, [Minister's Name], the Honorable Government Minister responsible for Environmental Affairs, has halted the proposed solar farm projects in [Beauty Spot's Name]. This decision reflects a deeper commitment to protect the unique charm of this pristine natural sanctuary.
Subheading 2: Space saved for beauty
[Beauty Spot's Name], known for its breathtaking views and pristine charm, faced an uncertain future due to a planned solar farm development. However, [Minister's Name] recognized the importance of this beautiful place and intervened to prevent it from being turned into an industrial landscape.
Subheading 3: Striking the Balance: Renewable Energy and Conservation
While renewable energy initiatives are critical to a sustainable future, [Minister's Name] emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between progress and conservation. The decision to halt the solar farm plans underscores the need to identify suitable sites for renewable energy projects that do not disrupt the integrity of the precious natural landscape.
Subheading 4: Community Support and Advocacy
The victory for [Beauty Spot's Name] owes much to the dedicated efforts of local communities and environmentalists. Their passionate campaigning, petitioning and unwavering determination played a key role in gaining support and influencing [Minister's Name]'s landmark decision.
Subheading 5: Plan for Future Protection
[Minister's Name]'s resounding stance sets a precedent for future development projects and promotes a more holistic approach to environmental protection. This landmark decision sparks hope for continued collaboration between government agencies, renewable energy advocates and conservationists to find solutions that protect both our natural heritage and the planet.
[Minister's Name]'s decisive decision to block solar farm plans in [Beauty Spot's Name] radiates hope for the harmonious coexistence of renewable energy progress and the preservation of stunning beauty spots. This triumph serves as a reminder that with unwavering commitment and collective effort, we can protect our planet's treasures for generations to come.
In a major victory for the preservation of natural beauty, the minister made a decisive decision to thwart the development of solar farms that would disrupt the aesthetic appeal of the popular beauty spot. This step underscores the growing importance of environmental protection and underscores the value of protecting scenic landscape
1. Sensitivity to natural beauty:
The minister's decision to block the proposed solar farm plans demonstrates a heightened sensitivity to the intrinsic value of natural beauty. The beauty spot in question holds a unique place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike, offering breathtaking views and a respite from city noise. This decisive step shows a commitment to preserving the aesthetic nature of our environment.
2. Environmental protection comes to the fore:
As global concerns about climate change grow, a focus on renewable energy sources such as solar power is essential. However, it is equally important to strike a balance between clean energy initiatives and habitat protection. The Minister's position sends a clear signal that environmental protection must be at the forefront of such developments.
3. Promoting biodiversity:
An endangered beauty spot is not only a visual delight but also a refuge for various species of plants and animals. Stopping the solar farm plans is a triumph for biodiversity and ensures that sensitive ecosystems and habitats remain undisturbed. This decision resonates strongly with those who advocate for the protection of the rich tapestry of life on our planet.
4. Community Engagement and Public Sentiment:
The minister's decision is a testament to the power of public sentiment and community involvement. Local residents and environmentalists rallied to voice their concerns about the potential degradation of the popular beauty spot. This result highlights the importance of fostering a sense of stewardship and encouraging citizen engagement in matters of environmental importance.
5. We are paving the way for sustainable solutions:
While the rejection of solar farm plans may appear to be an obstacle to renewable energy goals, it serves as a catalyst for innovation in sustainable solutions. This decision encourages the exploration of alternative sites and approaches that use clean energy without compromising the integrity of the scenic landscape.
The minister's strong stance against the solar farm plans for the beauty site reflects a wider commitment to protecting the environment and preserving natural beauty. This victory underscores the value of community involvement, biodiversity conservation and the search for sustainable solutions. As we navigate the delicate balance between progress and conservation, this decision sets an encouraging precedent for future efforts to harmonize human progress with the inherent beauty of the natural world.
.jpg)
0 Comments