Hydroelectric energy scheme at Area Of The Dare Valley Country Park, Cwmdare

What was proposed

The application sought a 50kW micro-hydroelectric scheme, including a replacement weir, underground equipment, powerhouse, pipe and cable routes.

“Full planning permission is sought for the installation of a 50kW micro-hydroelectric renewable energy scheme and associated infrastructure at Dare Valley Country Park, Cwmdare, Aberdare. The scheme would enable the production and transmission of electricity for use by the Dare Valley Country Park Visitor Centre and its associated hotel.”

“The proposal would include the following works: • The removal and replacement of the existing weir and construction of an underground control chamber (including access, water control gates and areas for the storage of some volume of water to manage the flows in all circumstances). • The construction of a powerhouse, comprising water pipes, turbines and electrical generator, and other electrical management and distribution equipment.”

Officer report

The site

The site is within a large country park containing lakes, streams, woodland, visitor facilities and nearby homes.

“The application site relates to the Dare Valley Country Park which is a public park located to the west of Aberdare and south of Cwmdare. The wider site extends to an area of approximately 200 hectares and consists of a mixture of woodland, pastures, play areas, camping sites, walking trails and bike tracks which are set around a visitor centre, including a hotel, café and educational facilities.”

“The development site itself comprises a network of streams and the upper and lower lakes, which are situated to the north-west of the visitor centre/hotel.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier records include a withdrawn micro-hydroelectric application and screening decisions that found environmental impact assessment was not required.

“13/5526/35: Dare Valley Country Park, Road to Green Meadow Riding Centre, Cwmdare, Aberdare Screening Request - Micro Hydro Proposal Decision: 09/08/2013, Environmental Impact Assessment Not Required…”

“23/0571/35: Dare Valley Country Park, Road to Green Meadow Riding Centre, Cwmdare, Aberdare Screening Request – Proposed hydro-electric scheme Decision: 10/07/23, Environmental Impact Assessment Not Required…”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the scheme modest, visually unobtrusive, suitable for the country park and unlikely to harm neighbouring amenity or cause adverse noise.

“The scheme is considered to be modest in terms of its scale and would have very little visual impact given that the majority of the works would be undertaken either within the existing watercourse or underground, whilst the turbine, generator and switchgear would be housed within a new powerhouse building, which would be appropriate to the setting of the wider Country Park.”

“Whilst there are a number of residential properties in close proximity to the lower lake where the powerhouse would be sited, the building would be of a modest scale and would not result in any physical impacts to the amenities of neighbouring occupiers. Furthermore, the Noise Impact Assessment submitted in support of the application demonstrates that the development would not result in any adverse levels of noise.”

Officer report

Public representations

The application received no representations following neighbour notification and site publicity.

“The application has been advertised by means of direct neighbour notification letters and through the erection of site notices within Country Park and wider area. No representations have been received as a result of this exercise.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Head of Major Development and Investment presented the application to the committee.

The committee decision

The committee resolved to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation of the Director, Prosperity and Development.

“The Head of Major Development and Investment presented the application to Committee and following consideration it was RESOLVED to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation of the Director, Prosperity and Development.”

Minutes