29-06-2025
- Politics
- Powys County Times
MOD concerned over Powys wind farm affecting RAF training
Concerns have been raised about potential dangers to RAF planes that could be caused by a planned wind farm in Powys.
The Banc Y Ceylin Wind Farm would border the Sennybridge Training area near Builth Wells and the plans on the site for 26 wind turbines with a maximum tip height of 200 metres have raised worries with the armed forces.
It is understood the MOD has raised concerns over the impact of the windfarm on low flying military aircraft, which was now been highlighted by constituency MP David Chadwick.
The Tactical Training Area known as "Low Flying Area 7(T)' sees military aircraft operate down to 100 ft above ground level – which is well below the 500 ft tip height of the planned turbines.
The MOD can raise objections to plans which may affect national security and defence when it may affect defence sites such as the training area.
The planned wind farm is a joint venture between Wind2 and companies managed by Octopus Energy Generation.
The plans in a scoping report submitted to the Welsh Government noted a potential impact on the low flying area.
MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe David Chadwick raised concerns after learning that the wind farm may impact the low-flying training zone.
Mr Chadwick wrote to the MOD regarding concerns raised by local residents about the potential impact of the development.
Help support trusted local news
Sign up for a digital subscription now:
As a digital subscriber you will get
Unlimited access to the County Times website
Advert-light access
Reader rewards
Full access to our app
Attending a low-flying aircraft briefing last week, he said he was told that the proposed turbines could force low-flying aircraft to divert from key training areas.
'Low-flying training in mid Wales plays a vital role in keeping our armed forces prepared and ready,' said Mr Chadwick.
"It is vital that all relevant information is now put on the table, that the MOD and RAF are fully aligned, and that local communities such as Merthyr Cynnog are kept properly informed.
"We must strike the right balance between delivering clean energy and protecting the operational needs of our armed forces. I will continue to press for full transparency on this matter.'
A spokesperson for Wind2 said: "From the outset, Wind2 has recognised the significance of SENTA and the associated safeguarding considerations.
"We've been in ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) as part of our early development work, and that dialogue continues to ensure any potential concerns are fully understood and addressed.
"In March 2025, we submitted a formal scoping request to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), with the scoping direction being issued on June 20.
"We've also been in regular contact with Powys County Council as part of our broader engagement. We are fully committed to continue to work with all stakeholders.
"It's also important to note that no planning application has been submitted.
