90m anemometer mast at Land at Cynhordy 1.6km east of Maesteg and 2km west of Pont-y-Rhyl

“DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT Full Planning Permission is sought for the installation of a 90m high anemometer mast for a temporary period of up to three years after which time the mast would be removed and the site restored to its current condition.”

“The mast would gather accurate wind resource data such as direction and speed to support the environmental impact assessment, turbine procurement process and inform output figures, as part of a wind farm development process.”

“SITE DESCRIPTION The proposal is located on agricultural land located below Moel Cynhordy a 345m high hill which is situated to the east of Llangynwyd. Access to the site would be via public highway through Llangynwyd, and then over farm access tracks.”

“The site comprises grazed pasture and is enclosed by post and wire fencing. The elevated site has extensive views across the surrounding countryside.”

“RELEVANT HISTORY P/04/1553/FUL – Installation of a 60m high anemometry mast. Granted 04/01/2005”

“P/14/835/SOR – Screening opinion for the proposed development of 4 no. 125m high wind turbines on land at Cynhordy Farm. It was found that the proposal was an EIA development, and any future application should be accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment. 16/01/2015”

“CONCLUSION The decision to recommend Planning permission has been taken in accordance with Section 38 of The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 which requires that, in determining a planning application the determination must be in accordance with the Development Plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. The Development Plan comprises Future Wales - the National Plan 2040 and the Bridgend Local Development Plan (2024)”

“Having regard to the nature of the development and the objections raised, it is considered that the proposal represents an appropriate form of development that would not have an unacceptable impact on visual amenity, biodiversity or highway and pedestrian safety and as such the proposal is recommended for approval. Accordingly, the proposed development is in accordance with Policies SP1, SP3, SP4, SP5, SP13, SP17, ENT12…”

“Natural Resources Wales: No objection subject to the proposal being considered by the…”

“Insufficient consultation and survey work has been undertaken prior to lodgement of the application. • Visual impact of the mast • Cumulative impact of mast and other infrastructure features on the landscape • The use of existing tracks will result in disturbance to the ecology of the area • No information provided on connections to power, data and lighting • Impact of lighting on Air Traffic Regulations and dark sky • Structural stability of mast during adverse weather…”

“It is understood that no power connection will be required to the temporary mast and the facility would comprise fuel cells and batteries installed alongside the mast within the footprint of the mast site. The purpose of the ancillary infrastructure is to provide a power supply to the instrumentation and aviation warning lighting on the mast itself.”

“RESOLVED: That the above application be granted, subject to the conditions contained in the report of the Corporate Director - Communities and an additional condition requiring an archaeological watching brief during groundworks.”

“The mast hereby permitted shall be removed and the land restored to its former condition within 3 years from the date of commissioning. The applicant shall inform the Local Planning Authority of the date of commissioning of the mast within 3 months of such date.”

“The development shall be undertaken in strict accordance with the Landscape & Habitat Mitigation proposals as outlined in the Landscape & Habitat Mitigation Note prepared by WSP and dated 24 July 2025. The biodiversity proposals shall be maintained in accordance with the aftercare Maintenance & Management measures listed in the Note for a minimum period of 5 years.”