To receive an update in relation to traffic movements in respect of windfarm developments at Tirgwynt and Garreg Llwyd Hill – there will be representation from both developments at the meeting
Minutes:
Members welcomed Mike Davis – Project Manager (Tirgwynt Wind Farm), Chris Jackson – Development Manager (Garreg Lwyd Hill Wind Farm) and Samantha Mayes -Community Relations Manager, England and Wales (RES) to the meeting to provide an update in relation to traffic movements for two windfarm developments. During discussion particular reference was made to:
a. Tirgwynt Wind Farm
i. Requirements – in order to be approved for development a significant number of Welsh Government and County Council requirements need to be complied with. All requirements would be satisfied
ii. Transport – unlike in England all Welsh convoys would require police escorts. There had been some issues with regard to the transfer between escorts from neighbouring police forces which had delayed convoys. On occasion the police had prioritised dealing with other matters above that of escorting convoys. Developers are powerless in such circumstances, the police have overall authority. The commitment during transit had been to restrict delays for normal route traffic by a maximum of 10 minutes
iii. Loads – 96 loads would be needed to provide all the equipment to the site, to date there were 19 loads left for delivery. The delivery programme would overrun by a week and finish on 19th September after which deliveries would begin on the Garreg lwyd Hill site near Dolfor
iv. Turbines – to date 7 of the 12 turbines had been erected
v. Convoy Movements – residents are able to receive/view ‘live’ data on the website and via. text/twitter feeds
vi. Local Engagement – engagement with communities is viewed by the developers as very important. There had been efforts to link with communities and schools. School children had been invited to name the turbines and the winners would be invited to a naming ceremony where plaques would be unveiled on site
vii. Police Escorts – there had been some concern raised by residents and others with regard to police motorbike riders showboating during transport times and whilst escorting. The concerns had been reported to the police
viii. Community Benefit Schemes – communities had been encouraged to apply for funding to support local schemes. A member felt that the communities that span the route should be eligible to apply. It was confirmed that all applications would be considered and that where there had been an impact community groups should be encouraged to apply. Requirements to operate schemes had been built into development agreements (section 106 agreements). The developer would confirm arrangements for considering benefit applications from organisations from Welshpool Town given that the Town Council had opted not to support the windfarm development. The local member for Welshpool Castle (Councillor Phil Pritchard) would raise the matter with the town clerk later this afternoon
ix. Access Roads / Passing Places – modifications made to areas to allow for transport movements i.e. access roads/passing places would remain during the period of turbine operation in order to allow for use if needs be during the life of the site. Access roads would be closed and not available for public use
x. Regeneration – there’s a strong focus on using local tradesmen and maximising regeneration opportunities for the communities where there would be an impact. Some specialist functions would need to be undertaken by workers who were specialists in their fields. The developer would feedback on actual numbers of employees on site and whether they would be local to Powys. It’s expected that a number of sub-contracted staff would be local to the development
b. Garreglwyd Hill Wind Farm
i. Trial – a transport trial had taken place on 5th August and had worked well, there would be a further trial through Mochdre Estate, Newtown today. A member expressed concern with regard to the trial in respect of the convoy being delayed and moving through Newtown at a peak time (3 p.m.). The developer would confirm why the convoy was delayed
ii. Commencement – there had been some slippage with regard to the commencement date due to slippage with transport for the Tirgwynt development. The commitment had been to complete one transport project before beginning the next. Convoys would, therefore, begin on 19th September and run until mid-December. Any unforeseens would need to be reacted to i.e. sever and/or inclement weather for prolonged periods
iii. Access Road – the access road had been determined by the Welsh Government and County Council. The siting of it would allow future deliveries to additional sites should further developments be approved. The road allows for access to the wider area designated for potential development
iv. Passing Places – the infrastructure would remain during the life of the site. The Welsh Government would maintain areas of the trunk road
v. Community Benefit Schemes – members would urge engagement and the sending of information to communities (including town and community councils) to advise of processes
vi. Schools – members would welcome good engagement with schools and parents given that there could be an impact on normal routines should convoy times venture into peak times for schools i.e. pick up and drop off times
vii. Live Information - website updates, text updates and twitter feeds would provide ‘real time’ convoy information
viii. Informing Members – members would welcome copy information sent to communities, residents, schools etc. so that they are fully aware and updated
ix. Turbines – building would commence on the turbines during the first week of October
Members thanked those who attended for updating them on arrangements and agreeing to respond to the matters raised.