Firm submits scaled back plans for solar farm on island after local opposition
Previous proposals had met local opposition
THE developer behind a controversial solar park plan on Anglesey has started a formal consultation - with the scheme scaled back after the initial feedback.
Low Carbon are behind Parc Solar Traffwll, the proposed solar farm near Llanfihangel yn Nhywyn and Bryngwran.
When they announced the scheme in 2019 a campaign group was set up with hundreds of residents signing a petition opposing the park.
Now a revised project has gone out for formal consultation.
The scheme, which is designated a ‘Development of National Significance’ or ‘DNS,’ will have an export capacity of circa 35MW, enough to power approximately 11,600 homes per year and offset approximately 7,840 tonnes of CO2 annually, the equivalent to taking over 3,620 cars off the road.
The proposed project site is split into a number of development areas around Llanfihangel yn Nhywyn and south of Bryngwran. An electrical connection point to the grid network is proposed at Caergeiliog, to the west of the site.
Low Carbon said the project proposals have already been refined significantly since the project’s inception and as a result of initial engagement with local landowners, statutory bodies such as Anglesey County Council and Natural Resources Wales, residents and community stakeholders.
They said that through this engagement process, the number of identified plots capable of hosting photovoltaic panels and associated infrastructure have been reduced from nine to three.
Two consultation events are due to take place at the following times and locations: Online: 16 th August 2021 at 7pm . Caergeiliog Village Hall (LL65 3YG): 1 st September 2021 1pm – 7pm
Those wishing to attend either event can find out more and register their interest on the project website www.parcsolartraffwll.co.uk.
James Hartley-Bond, Head of Project Development at Low Carbon said: “We’ve been working on this project since 2018 and we’ve made some significant project refinements in response to local consultation with residents and stakeholders, technical analysis and survey work.
“The project proposals as they now stand represent our preferred approach, and we feel they offer a significant opportunity to deliver clean, renewable energy and localised biodiversity enhancements, without undue impact to the local area.
“We’re pleased to announce the formal consultation on the proposals, which will take place from 4 th August and run for just over six weeks, in line with Welsh DNS requirements.
“Information and consultation materials have been made available on the project website, and we are hosting consultation events on the 16 th August online and 1 st September at Caergeiliog Village Hall.
“All information is also available online to make sure the local community can access the information should they wish to remain socially distanced.
“We look forward to receiving feedback on the proposals as we work towards submitting an application to the Planning Inspectorate Wales after the summer.”