A Presteigne business owner has said that the proposed Nant Mithil wind farm development in Radnor Forest will be an ‘act of visual, environmental, and cultural vandalism’ if it goes ahead.

Christopher Ayre, owner of Presteigne Holiday Park, is worried that the wind farm will impact local tourism. In a letter obtained by the Brecon and Radnor Express, written by Christopher to Bute Energy, Christopher says that he believes the project will impact house prices, the visual and natural landscape, and the historical significance of the area.

Bute Energy are proposing a renewable energy development in Powys, which will be located approximately 9 km east of Llandrindod Wells in Radnor Forest, and will include up to 31 wind turbines, which the company says will provide approximately 205MW of clean, green energy using the latest wind turbine technology.

However, many local people in the area are opposed to the plans and have visited the consultations, with some people gathering to protest. Bute Energy’s 31 turbines would stand up to 220m tall on some of the highest hills in Radnorshire. Visible for miles around, many locals say they will blight the area for decades. Residents also fear that wildlife will be killed and vital habitats severely depleted.

In his letter, Christopher says: “I strongly believe that the proposed Nant Mithil Energy Park will have a detrimental effect on the number of tourists who visit my caravan park as well as to the local area. Tourists driving along the A44 coming to New Radnor would be confronted with views of Hendy Wind Farm then immediately after Nant Mithil turbines plus overhead power lines. The proposed Nant Mithil Energy Park stands at the gateway to Wales on the A44 for many tourists from England entering Wales via this route- this is the first thing they will see. The tranquil panoramic views much loved by tourists will be destroyed by industrial scale construction in the building phase as well as the final proposed outcome of the turbines. Customers have so much choice when it comes to holiday destinations and I am sure they would rather holiday in an area with rolling hills not scarred by wind turbines & pylons.”

The Radnor Forest is known for its bronze age history, with ring cairns and prehistoric hut circles. Christopher says: “Turning the area into an industrial construction site will destroy thousands of years of historic landscape forever; essentially would be cultural vandalism.”

A spokesperson for Bute Energy said: “We’re grateful to everyone in the local community who took the time to give feedback on Nant Mithil in our latest public consultation, which ended this week. We will carefully consider the community’s input, in addition to comprehensive environmental and technical surveys, as we continue to develop our designs and project plans.  “We have already made a number of alterations as a result of earlier consultations and surveys, including a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment, reducing the number of turbines from 36 to 31. We are fully committed to not only protecting but enhancing habitats for local wildlife across the site and preserving heritage sites in the area.

"Every day, our dedicated community investment team works with groups in the community to explore how our Community Benefit Fund can support local programmes. Culture and heritage is one their five key focuses, and this includes the preservation and celebration of historically significant landmarks.  “We are excited to share more information on our evolving project plans with the community in due course. We look forward to continuing our work with local groups and individuals to maximise the benefits of the clean, green energy generated by this project and our investment in the community.”