Environmental concerns have been raised about plans for up to 26 huge wind turbines near a nationally important nature reserve in north Powys.

Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust said proposals to build a wind farm with turbines twice the size of Big Ben at 220 metres high near Glaslyn between Staylittle and Machynlleth were “hugely worrying” and are urging local people to share their concerns before the consultation period ends on Thursday, March 7.

Bute Energy said it had chosen the site to build the Esgair Galed Energy Park near Llyn Clywedog because of its “technical and environmental suitability, optimal wind speeds and there are established wind developments in the area”.

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However, Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust said: “We’re very concerned about the current proposed location of a renewable energy project called Esgair Galed Energy Park near Machynlleth and Llanbrynmair.

“The proximity of Bute Energy’s Esgair Galed Energy Park to nationally important nature reserve Glaslyn, and the wider Pumlumon SSSI, is hugely worrying.

“The application is in its early stages and the first public consultation is currently open, so we’re urging local people to take part.

“Wind power can help us move away from reliance on fossil fuels and help us fight climate change, but wind farms must be sited in the right places to ensure they don’t cause significant damage to irreplaceable wildlife or habitat.”

The wind turbines would generate 171 megawatt of electricity which would be enough to power between 113,000 and 179,000 households a year.

County Times: The view of Glaslyn from Foel Fadian.The view of Glaslyn from Foel Fadian. (Image: Stephen Mills)

County Times: A map showing where the 26 turbines could be built.A map showing where the 26 turbines could be built. (Image: Bute Energy)

Bute Energy said the project will deliver significant benefits to the local community, including an annual Community Benefit Fund worth around £1.2 million “based on current designs.”

The application would be deemed a Development of National Significance (DNS) and would be processed by Welsh Government planning inspectors at Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW).

Planning inspectors would provide a recommendation to Welsh Government ministers who would eventually announce the decision. Powys County Council are consultees rather than decision makers for this proposal.

Bute Energy anticipate that they will lodge a planning application with PEDW in 2025.

The Esgair Galed Energy Park project team can be contacted by emailing esgairgaled@bute.energy or call free of charge on the project line 0800 699 0081.