Impact of the proposals
Multiple schemes. One landscape.
The proposed wind farms and Towy–Teifi pylon line would bring major changes to our uplands and surrounding communities. Their effects would extend beyond turbine sites and pylon bases, through access roads, substations, electricity connections and construction traffic.
Caru Teifi opposes these developments because of the risks they pose to the landscape, environment and communities of this area. Each proposal needs proper scrutiny, but their combined effects must also be understood.
Communities, culture and heritage
This is a lived-in landscape. It holds homes, farms, footpaths, archaeological remains and places that connect people with generations of Welsh history, language and culture.
The uncertainty surrounding these proposals is itself a burden. Residents face questions about their homes, livelihoods and surroundings, often over several years.
Our communities deserve accessible information and a meaningful opportunity to influence decisions. Local knowledge should help shape assessments from the outset.
Historic landscapes and archaeological sites also need protection. Assessment must consider access routes and associated infrastructure, as well as the wind farms themselves.
Landscape, tranquillity and dark skies
Large turbines and pylons would introduce prominent industrial structures into an open rural landscape. Their effects would depend on location, height, terrain and visibility, but would reach beyond development boundaries.
An existing wind farm, showing turbines, access tracks and cleared areas across an upland landscape. Illustrative photograph—not a view of the proposals in the Teifi–Towy uplands.
For people living here, the experience of the countryside includes its openness, tranquillity and sense of place. These qualities matter to residents and visitors alike.
Aviation lighting could also change views after dark. Any lighting proposals need to be clearly explained and assessed against the value of the Cambrian Mountains’ dark skies.
Peat, carbon and water
Our uplands already help address the climate and nature emergencies. Healthy peatlands store carbon, support wildlife and help regulate the movement of water through the landscape.
Excavation, drainage, roads and heavy machinery can damage peat and alter water flows. Avoiding the deepest peat alone does not answer every question: shallower peat and the surrounding drainage system also need attention.
Developers must demonstrate how much peat would be disturbed, what carbon could be released and whether proposed restoration would be effective. The assessment should include foundations, tracks, crane areas, cable trenches and other infrastructure.
Before changing these uplands, we need to understand the environmental benefits they already provide.
Historic metal mines and water pollution
Parts of this landscape contain historic metal mines, spoil, reservoirs and leats. These features are important both as heritage and as potential sources or pathways of contamination.
Construction and changes to drainage could disturb contaminated material or change how it reaches streams and rivers. The risk depends on the workings, ground conditions and water connections at each location.
Assessments must follow those connections through the catchment. A fixed distance around a development cannot, by itself, establish whether downstream homes, rivers or other water users could be affected.
We want thorough investigation before decisions are made, supported by reliable baseline measurements and clear arrangements for monitoring and responding to problems.
Private water supplies
Some homes and farms depend on springs, wells and boreholes. Changes to drainage or groundwater could affect the quantity or quality of their water.
Supplies need to be identified through local enquiries and catchment investigation, with appropriate testing before construction begins.
Residents need clear answers about who would investigate a problem, provide an alternative supply and pay for putting it right. Those responsibilities must remain clear if a development changes ownership.
Wildlife and habitats
The uplands support wildlife that depends on connected habitats across a much wider area than any single development site.
Our concerns include habitat loss and fragmentation, disturbance during construction, changes to peatland and water habitats, and collision risks for birds and bats.
Red squirrels, pine martens, upland birds and bats all require appropriate surveys and assessment. Roads, forestry works and electricity infrastructure must be considered alongside turbines.
Our red kites were brought back from the brink of extinction through decades of dedicated conservation and nest protection. That hard-won recovery deserves safeguarding.
Measures offered to protect wildlife must be specific, practical and monitored throughout the life of a development.
Farming and construction
Farms could be affected by land take, access restrictions, construction traffic and changes to drainage. Roads and electricity infrastructure may also affect fields, boundaries and the movement of livestock.
The scale and duration of disruption must be explained for each proposal. Where several developments use the same roads or affect neighbouring farms, their combined demands need assessment.
Turbine delivery and construction could require road alterations, vegetation removal, temporary works and substantial heavy vehicle movements. Residents need clear information about routes, timing, road safety and access to homes and businesses.
Any effects on public rights of way and open access land must also be identified, with clear arrangements for safety and access during construction and operation.
Tourism and the local economy
People visit this area for its countryside, wildlife, heritage, dark skies and tranquillity. These qualities support accommodation providers, shops, attractions and other local businesses.
Construction disruption and lasting landscape changes could affect that appeal. The effects should be investigated rather than assumed to be either harmless or inevitable.
Assessments need to consider the combined construction programmes and long-term presence of neighbouring developments.
Community benefits and lasting responsibility
Community funds and other promised benefits deserve careful examination. Residents should know who would receive them, how decisions would be made and whether payments would be secure over time.
Financial benefits do not remove the need to assess environmental harm or protect people’s water, homes and livelihoods.
Planning safeguards must be clear and enforceable. Monitoring, maintenance, complaint handling and responsibility for putting problems right need to be established before consent is granted. Decommissioning and restoration also need credible arrangements.
Who is looking at the whole picture?
These proposals share landscapes, catchments, habitats, roads and communities. Separate applications must not obscure their combined effects.
Our central question remains: what would all these developments mean together — and who is responsible for ensuring that question is properly answered?
See our Project Proposals page for the map, turbine figures and links to developers’ information.
CPRW Ceredigion branch is currently carrying forward the work of scrutinising proposals, raising concerns and making representations. Read the branch’s news and campaign updates.