By Andrew Forgrave
Copyright dailypost
Alarmed residents aim to launch a judicial review of controversial plans for a new solar farm on Anglesey. Community group Grwp Cadw Tir Môn has set up a fundraiser to cover the legal costs involved.
The Alaw Môn scheme will see panels installed across 660 acres of land in the centre of the island, producing enough energy to power around 34,000 homes. According to the developer, Enso Energy, the 160MW farm would produce enough electricity to power 36,114 homes – more than the total number of houses on the island.
Opposition initially centred on the loss of quality agricultural land and the proliferation of solar farms on Anglesey. More recently, concerns have focused on the scheme’s proximity to Llyn Alaw reservoir, which supplies drinking water for around 30,000 people, as well as farms and livestock.
These concerns surfaced following the scheme’s approval by planning watchdog PEDW in late August. PEDW (Planning and Environment Decisions Wales). The decision was ratified by Rebecca Evans, the Welsh Government’s cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, who said the scheme’s benefits “outweigh any harmful effects”.
By 2030, Cardiff wants 70% of Wales’ consumed electricity to be from renewable sources to combat the climate emergency.
Grwp Cadw Tir Môn wants the minister to reconsider, citing potential water contamination risks. The group is also worried by the loss of farmland and possible impacts on nearby historical sites.
It said the “only option left” is to press ahead with a judicial review. On the first day of a GoFundMe appeal, around £370 was raised towards the £4,500 target. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
Organiser Sarah Pye said the reservoir lies just 415 metres from a site that will have a large, 40-unit Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
She said: “Every day 35 million litres of water are abstracted from Llyn Alaw for drinking water. There is a real and foreseeable risk of water and air contamination during the construction and operation of this large-scale solar farm and its extremely large-scale BESS facility.
“The health risks are huge and have been disregarded by the Welsh Government.”
Alaw Môn was green-lighted despite contrary guidance on the preservation of high-quality farmland. Protesters also fear the impact of this development and subsequent solar schemes on Anglesey’s heritage.
Sarah said the island is an area of historical importance with artefacts and monuments dating back millennia. She added: “The Alaw Mon site is situated within 60 metres of the Cors-y-Bol Bronze burial mounds and next to Y Werthyr Iron Age Hillfort.
“Additionally, there are several druid rocks within the site’s location. Not yet excavated or researched, constructing such a big solar development could destroy artefacts and history forever.”
In a letter supporting the application, Rebecca Evans said she approved the scheme after examining the project’s Environmental Statement and considering “all other environmental information provided”.
Conditions have been attached to the site’s construction and operation. These include a requirement for a battery safety management plan to protect the environment. Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter – sent every Friday
According to Grwp Cadw Tir Môn, more than 600 objections to the scheme were submitted by the public. Its hopes of reflecting this sentiment now rest on obtaining a judicial Review.
“Our drinking water, the health of our communities and our heritage depend on it,” added Sarah. You can find the gofundme appeal here.
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