Common-land issues make future of ‘Circuit of Wales’ uncertain
The Circuit of Wales plan still has a long way to go before it can proceed, because of the need to sort out common-land issues. The application, from the Heads of the Valleys Development Company, for a motor-racing centre was approved by Blaenau Gwent council yesterday (10 July). As a number of objectors pointed out,…
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Our challenge to Wales’s new environmental body
We have welcomed the new environmental body, Natural Resources Wales (NRW), which comes into existence today (1 April) and we have set it a number of challenges. The common land of Wales is immensely important for its natural beauty, wildlife habitats, archaeology, culture and opportunities for informal recreation. Eight per cent of Wales is common…
Read MoreWe blast motorsports development on common land
We objected strongly to a planning application for a major motor-racing development on registered common land. The so-called Circuit of Wales would be on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, north of Ebbw Vale. The Heads of the Valleys Development Company wants to build a 3.5-mile long racetrack, 4×4 circuit, international kart track…
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‘Heavenly’ Carmarthenshire commons at risk from wind-development
We have objected to two applications from RES UK & Ireland Ltd for wind turbines and associated works on common land in Carmarthenshire. RES wants to erect 21 wind turbines, 15 of them on common land, with met masts, access tracks, hardstanding, highway widening and fencing. The commons are Mynydd Llanllwni Common and Mynydd Llanfighangel…
Read MoreDismay at Swansea Council’s yes to turbines on Mynydd y Gwair
Swansea Council’s planning committee has approved an application for 16 wind-turbines on Mynydd y Gwair common. We were one of the many objectors. The planning committee approved the scheme from RWE npower renewables by 27 votes to 24. We argued that the turbines will destroy the magnificent stretch of unspoilt common land, eight miles north…
Read MoreSwansea Council to decide fate of Mynydd y Gwair Common
We have renewed our call to Swansea Council to reject the application for 16 wind turbines on Mynydd y Gwair common. The planning committee is to determine the application from RWE npower tomorrow (7 February). We objected strongly to the application because it will destroy the magnificent stretch of unspoilt common land, eight miles north…
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Threat to view from South Wales beauty-spot
We have objected to a proposed wind turbine at Garth Uchaf Farm, near Pentrych, Cardiff. The wind turbine is next to Garth Hill, a registered common. This is an extensive, breezy open space, where people have the right to walk and horse-riders enjoy permissive access. It is much enjoyed by the local population and visitors.…
Read MoreDevelopment proposed on Llanberis common
We have joined the protestors again a proposed pump-storage power-station at Glynrhonwy quarries above Llanberis, Gwynedd, because the works will encroach on common land and be an eyesore in a popular area on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park. We have put in an objection to Gwynedd County Council and called on the council…
Read MoreWe oppose plans to dig up Swansea’s pearl of a common
We have objected strongly to plans by Carrington Moore Estates, in which the former Welsh rugby captain Andy Moore has an interest, to dig up Picket Mead Common at Newton, Swansea. The developers want to bury underground services (electricity, gas, water, telecoms and drainage) and lay grasscrete on the common, in connection with their planning…
Read MoreDismay at threat to mid-Wales beauty spot
We are dismayed that parts of the beautiful Eppynt Commons in Powys are advertised for sale ‘with some potential for wind-farm development’. The commons form part of an extensive ridge of high ground to the north of the Brecon Beacons National Park, south of Builth Wells. More than 2,500 acres, comprising four commons with over…
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