100m meteorological mast at Land By Frongoch

What was proposed

A temporary 100-metre steel lattice mast with guy wires and weather-monitoring equipment would operate for up to five years.

“Proposal: Temporary operation of a meteorological mast and associated structures for a period up to five years.”

“Description: The proposed development, situated in highland near the summit of Pen y Bwlch Gwyn, is to erect and operate a temporary annometric mast for five years. The mast will be a steel lattice structure with a 'matte' finish supported by guy wires with linked anchors to secure the mast in place, the mast is 100m high. A meteorological monitoring system (anemometers and wind vanes) will be installed on side booms from the mast.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The upland site lies near Pen y Bwlch Gwyn, close to national landscape designations and several European protected sites.

“The proposed development is situated in highland near the summit of Pen y Bwlch Gwyn, which is approximately 2.1km away from Glan yr Afon. Pen y Bwlch Gwyn rises to a height of 501m, and the development is on land approximately 470-490m in height.”

“Eryri National Park is approximately 2.2km to the west, the proposed Glyndŵr National Park is approximately 7.8-8km to the south-east, with the Clwydian Hills and Dyffryn Dyfrdwy Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty approximately 12.9km to the east.”

Officer report

Related planning history

No relevant local planning applications had been dealt with, but notice had been submitted for a possible 10-turbine wind farm and associated infrastructure.

“Relevant Planning History: Cyngor Gwynedd Local Planning Authority has not dealt with any relevant planning applications on the application site. However, a notice of motion to submit an application under the Development of National Significance (DNS) system on this site was received by the Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW).”

“Application reference number ⁠ CAS-03527-H7Y5R9 Description of the proposed development ⁠⁠ ⁠ The Applicant is seeking planning permission for an onshore wind farm comprising 10 wind turbines, a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), a project substation compound and associated ancillary infrastructure works. It is anticipated that the proposed development will have a generating capacity of circa 72 MW, subject to final turbine election.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the mast’s temporary period, slender design and restoration requirements would avoid unacceptable long-term landscape, visual and residential impacts.

“The mast will be visible from several locations within the National Park, and, in some cases, it will present an element of human work on a horizon that is currently continuous. However, given the distance (approximately 2.2km at the nearest point), its slender lattice design, and its temporary nature, it is considered that its general impact will not be significantly detrimental.”

“A further condition will demand that a detailed Method Statement is submitted and implemented to ensure that the site is restored to its original condition. Based on this, and subject to conditions of appropriate planning conditions, it is considered that the proposal will not have unacceptable detrimental impacts on visual amenities nor on the landscape.”

Officer report

Objection from a resident

One public objection cited harm to natural beauty, effects from aviation lighting, visibility from the property and possible loss of property value.

“Public Consultation: A notice was posted near the site and surrounding residential property to the application site were informed via a letter. One item of correspondence was received from a member of the public objecting to the application on the grounds; • That it was in a site of natural beauty and would have a detrimental impact on the area. • That lighting would be installed on the structure (100m in height) and will affect the area's dark skies.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Senior Planning Officer explained the proposal and assessment, and the Local Member said he agreed with the recommendation.

The committee’s decision

The application was proposed and seconded for approval, and powers were delegated to the Senior Planning Manager to approve it subject to conditions.

“RESOLVED: To delegate powers to the Senior Planning Manager to approve the application, subject to the following conditions:”

“…to its previous condition within 5 years to the date of commission. The applicant must inform the Local Planning Authority of the commission date within 3 months of that date. 4.”

Minutes