Wind turbine scheme changes at Twyn Hywel Energy

“Alteration to the rotor diameter of the approved wind turbines from 155m to 163m; • Alteration to the height of the on-site transformer from 6m to 11m; and, • Enlargement of the grid connection corridor…”

“As set out in the original consent, the development straddles the boundary between Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and Caerphilly County Borough. Of the 14 wind turbines previously approved, 3 are within the boundary of Rhondda Cynon Taf.”

“The site is an area of upland forming a horseshoe shape around the settlement of Senghenydd on the valley floor below. The site comprises open moorland with irregular grazing fields with woodland forestry to the periphery of the site. Spoil tips and a young coniferous plantation are found to the eastern side of the site, to the east of the Senghenydd Dyke.”

“The site would be accessed via the A470 and the A472.”

“DNS/3272053 Land 16km North of Cardiff on the border of Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf (on Mynydd Eglwysilan) The construction and operation of up to 14 wind turbines and associated infrastructure including: hardstanding areas to include turbine foundations, crane hardstanding and lay down and storage area with associated micro siting allowances; electrical sub station and control building with underground power cables; new access route connecting on to the A472; on site…”

“25/0651 Land 16km North of Cardiff on the border of Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf (on Mynydd Eglwysilan) Partial Discharge of Condition 8, Written Scheme of Investigation of DNS/327053. Granted 19/09/25 25/0836 Land 16km North of Cardiff on the border of Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf (on Mynydd Eglwysilan) Discharge Of Conditions 14 (Highway Condition Surveys) and Condition 15 (Remediation Scheme for Damage) of DNS application ref.”

“Therefore, the key consideration in the determination of this application is whether the changes proposed would be acceptable in terms of their potential impacts upon the character and appearance of the site and surrounding area, the amenity and privacy of nearby residential properties, highway safety in the vicinity of the site and upon ecology.”

“The proposed amendments would result in a limited visual change to the approved scheme. Whilst the rotor diameter of the approved wind turbines would be increased, the hub height would be reduced, which would ensure that the wind turbines would not exceed the height of the wind turbines approved under the original consent.”

“It is noted that the predicted operational noise levels meet the approved noise limits, when wind direction is taken into account, at all but one noise sensitive receptor; however, a mitigation strategy is provided that shows that the consented noise limits can be met at that one location.”

“The proposed changes are not considered to have any greater impact upon historic assets and their settings than the consented scheme. The consented scheme includes a condition for a Historic Environmental Plan (HEP) to be prepared within six months of the first export date and Members are advised that this should be carried forward in any grant of consent for this Section 73 application.”

“The application has been advertised through the erection of a number of site notices in the vicinity of the site. No representations have been received from local residents.”

“The Head of Planning 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, subject to an updated 106 agreement to ensure that the existing planning obligations apply to the new development and also subject to no objection being received from the…”

“Welsh Government Transportation Department.”