South Wales Evening Post-

28 January 2004

FAIR WIND FOR PROTEST GROUP RACHEL THOMAS

14:00

Residents have won a victory in their efforts to stop wind turbines spreading across the countryside.

The Assembly has rejected an appeal by developers behind a plan for 11 wind turbines on Margam Mountain, Port Talbot. Community Power appealed to the Assembly after Neath Port Talbot Council threw out its proposals.

But after a two-week hearing last July the Assembly has now decided the council's decision was right.

The verdict has been welcomed by those campaigning against the proposals, including the Countryside Council for Wales and CADW. Residents of Coed Hirwaun village formed an action group, Coed Hirwaun Against Turbines or CHAT, to combat the plans and collected signatures for a petition at last year's Margam Country Show.

CHAT spokesman Roger Sheppard said today: "The Assembly's planning decision committee, having recognised the historical, religious and archaeological richness of Mynydd Margam, has saved this outstanding feature from the ravages of industrialisation by 11 massive wind power stations. "This was despite efforts by the wind power speculators and firms in the environmental industry which would indiscriminately cover the coastlines and highlands of Wales with these inefficient, ineffective yet well subsidised and lucrative soaring structures.

"Thirty of the "soaring structures", each around the height of the London Eye, could be built off the coast of Porthcawl.These plans, by United Utilities, are also the subject of an appeal to the Assembly but a decision is thought to be months away. A strong campaign was mounted against the controversial plans. Mr Sheppard thanked people for their support for the protest against the Margam proposals. "Coed Hirwaun Against Turbines would like to recognise the massive support received from the people of Wales and beyond at the Margam Country Show,'' he said."We are also indebted for the support and encouragement given by the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales, the only genuine environmental organisation supporting Wales, the Welsh and its heritage.

"A special mention of appreciation must be given to David Watkins and his planning team at the local authority for their scrupulously fair, impartial and professional support at the planning inquiry at Penllergaer. ''I was proud to speak on behalf of residents of Coed Hirwaun and the surrounding area."