This is the case with all such big business planning decisions, that it's already been passed and it's only a matter of going through the motions of seeming to allow the public its say, when in fact the business sector knows that the green light will be given.

Myself, I'm dubious about wind farms and other alternative energy sources, but I support nuclear, because I can't see what alternative we have. In fact, I favour nuclear above all the others, including wind farms, for the simple reason that wind energy is unreliable. This was proven two years back during a bitterly cold spell when we needed it the most, and there was no wind!

Anyway, I don't believe all this guff about wind energy coming from the mouths of Charles Hendry and his ilk. In fact, they spout more wind than any that's likely to turn the blades of these windmills.

What though will the benefits to the local community be? This is another little ploy so beloved by these supporters of wind farms. Are we going to benefit in the same way that the coal industry gave us great wealth in the past?

I mean that tongue in cheek of course, because not many miners in South Wales lived the life of Reilly on their meagre wages. The wealth was taken out of Wales, or only served the lifestyles of a few super-rich coal masters.

I suspect the same will happen with these wind farms. Also, some countries where they are quite predominant, like Germany, are even now questioning their efficiency, as they do tend to break down quite a lot, as well as the aforementioned unreliablity.

I wouldn't be surprised if, in the future, they'll be seen as just a white elephant, or another get-rich-quick scheme for a few businessmen who saw an opportunity to rip off gullible politicians. It won't be the first time that has happened.

The pits, winding gears and spoil tips are gone, the valleys are getting greener and prettier then they decide to dump large piece of useless scrap iron on the hills to spoil the view.

There are only two types of person who think on-shore wind farms are a good idea:

1. Those that will profit directly… whether in financial terms or other gains such as politicians ticking boxes.

2. Those who are blissfully ignorant of the true facts.

The reason developers can get away with building wind farms such as Pen-y-Cymoed, isn’t solely down to collusion behind closed doors among big business and the government… what REALLY plays into the hands of these people is the general apathy and lack of knowledge on the subject by the public at large.

In my own personal experience... speaking to friends, neighbours, colleagues and passers-by, the majority of 'Joe Public' actually believe all the smoke and mirrored clap trap that’s spouted about these so called ‘environmentally friendly’ installations.

The final bitter pill, the government giving their approval to such a planning application, should really come as no surprise whatsoever… something’s never change; and as it was in the days of heavy industry so it remains, the utter contempt and ignorance towards these local communities by the powers that be continues (at all levels)!!!

Perhaps in years to come, when every hill and mountain around South Wales becomes festooned in these redundant follies, the penny may eventually drop…. naturally by then it will be a little too late.

Madness complete and utter!!!

Talks over wind farm plans sought after project agreed

Urgent talks are being sought with the developer behind the biggest onshore wind farm in England and Wales which is to be built between Neath and Aberdare.

Energy Minister Charles Hendry this week approved the 76-turbine Pen y Cymoedd project, which is expected to cost £300 million.

When the plans were originally put forward they were said to include turbines 145 metres high — three times the size of Nelson’s Column.

Full story on link

http://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/05/10/talks-over-wind-farm-plans-sou...

What is wrong with people making a profit out of it? The land is there to be raped and exploited, wind-farms, opencast or any other way, if it makes money then do it.
I don't care about the environment, I don't care about the planet in years to come. Wind, hydro, coal, gas, or nuclear it's all the same to me, if someone can make money out of it, then good luck to them. Some people are so stupid, green this, clean that, global warming. it's all rubbish. Look back at the industrial revolution, the smoke the grime the black slag tips in the coal mining areas. do you really think that the people who made money in those days care about us today? As I have said many times before "Greed is Good" All I want is money in my bank as much and as fast as possible.
People had to look after themselves years ago, we have to look after ourselves now, and in years to come people will have to do the same. If they can't then tough! I'm alright Jack!

Hi

I am working for Siemens as an Offshore Traveling Wind Turbine Technician as was wondering when will the jobs be starting and who should i contact to enquire? I have all the qualifications need for it?

I would rather see a million wind farms than have the atrocities of a nuclear power station, many many years ago I lived near one in Gloucester. It may have been closed for 15-20 years but last time I past it still looked like the village of the dammed. Nothing growing or ever will, at least had I still lived there and it had gone up I would have gone to my maker instantly. Here if it had gone I would have just breathed in the cancerous toxic dust and our children/grandchildren, great grandchildren would be born, many disabled like those in the Ukraine disaster
Sorry I cant conform to the way of thinking wind farms are unsightly, actually passing them on the way to Neath I think they give a magical look to the countryside.

Sod the green issues I'm fed up of anything new or safe starting up in our Valleys and we have the Green Brigade up in arms. and on the March. DO THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH WALES WANT WORK. Many do and would choose to work and live near wind farms.
We are a poor country work brings in jobs to build and aftercare creates a little more work. Employment means less idle hands to get in trouble.

Don't think I'm against all green issues, far from it, recycle etc is a marvelous thing, and at one point I many green ideas myself but now all I see in the green brigade are a load of people looking to find an excuse to protest.

Here's your answer Russell, planning permission refused for a single 25m high turbine.

http://www.wiltsglosstandard.co.uk/news/9595808.Education_call_over_Cots...

According the the article there are just seven wind turbines in the whole of the Cotswold catchment.

http://www.jrf.org.uk/media-centre/urgent-action-needed-wind-farm-develo...

Russel, can you honestly think of a more fitting end?...