SOLAR STORM

PROTESTERS DEMAND THAT APPROVAL FOR GIANT POWER PROJECT BE OVERTURNED

- By ANDREW FORGRAVE Countryside and Tourism Editor

PROTESTERS on Anglesey are demanding the Welsh Government overturn the approval of a huge solar farm. A judicial review has been mooted on the basis the decision was unlawful and is prejudicial to the health of thousands of people.

The controversial Alaw Môn scheme was approved by planning watchdog PEDW in late August. PEDW (Planning and Environment Decisions Wales) gave the green light despite concerns it contravened guidance on the preservation of high quality farmland.

Developer Wylfa Green Ltd, a subsidiary of Enso Energy, wants to construct a 650-acre solar farm capable of powering around 36,114 homes - more than the total number of houses on Anglesey. It is the smaller of two separate solar applications on the island that, if approved, will put panels on a combined 3,700 acres of mostly farmland, around 2% of Anglesey.

Worried residents have now flagged a major issue they believe was overlooked by PEDW. They're concerned the planned Alaw Môn scheme - and its 40 battery storage container - poses a potential threat to Llyn Alaw reservoir, the main source of drinking water for more than 30,000 people in north Anglesey.

Expert Sara Sharpe, a member of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health who lives near Llanerchymedd, believes this aspect was not properly assessed. With Alaw Mon only around 415 metres from the reservoir, she said the proposed development presents an "unacceptable risk of contamination".