A PEMBROKESHIRE wind turbine scheme which was recommended to be refused over a lack of information on how it may affect bats, which led to it being previously withdrawn, has gained some breathing space to address the issue.
In December of last year, in an application recommended for refusal at Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Constantine Wind Energy Ltd sought permission for a 76-metre-high wind turbine at Summerton Farm, Sageston.
Back in 2024, an application to replace a current 60.5m high turbine on the site with one up to 90 metres, or just under 300 foot, at the site was refused on the grounds its height and scale would have a detrimental impact on the visual amenity of the locality, with the additional clause of failing to comply with supplementary guidance.
A report for committee members on the latest application says the smaller turbine than previously proposed, representing a 16-metre increase in height from a previously granted turbine “would not be sufficient for it to become an overbearing feature in the landscape,” with no objections from either the Council Landscape Officer or Natural Resources Wales.
However, concerns were raised by the council ecologist that the applicant’s Preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report was incomplete, with a bat survey not included.
It was recommended for refusal on the grounds that appraisal report, and technical note, “do not adequately address the impact of the proposed wind turbine on bat activity in the area”.
At the December meeting, members heard the scheme had been temporarily withdrawn to deal with issues raised, the application returning to the June meeting, again recommended for refusal on a lack of information on the potential impact on bats.
A report for members ahead of the June meeting says the application was withdrawn from the December agenda to allow the applicant time for consideration of the Council Ecologist’s request for further survey work.
It said the applicant had started a bat survey programme, with further surveys due to take place in July and September, the applicant asking for the matter to be deferred in November.
At the June meeting, Richard Grisk, on behalf of the applicants, referenced the additional surveys, calling for a further deferral, saying it would be far most cost efficient and effective for all parties, the applicants intending to resubmit an expected to be near-identical scheme, other than the bat reports, if it was refused.
After a great deal of deliberation on the matter, Cllr John Cole, who had initially proposed a deferral, moved the scheme be decided by officers under delegated powers.
This would allow them to either approve or refuse after the bat reports have been received.
Members, by 10 votes to four, supported the delegated decision, expected later this year.
