More than 500 objections have been submitted against plans for a solar farm on Anglesey.
Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) has written to Wylfa Green, the developer of the Alaw Môn solar farm, to announce a suspension in the decision-making process for the project.
This is in order to request further information on the development, following the high volume of concerns raised by the local community.
In the letter, PEDW stated: "The determination period for this application is therefore suspended by a period of six weeks, i.e. the determination period will resume on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.
"Depending on the response received, it is likely that a further suspension period will be required, which will include time for a publicity and consultation period in respect of additional information."
The letter also stated that PEDW received more than 500 objections from the community over a five-week period in the most recent consultation process.
As a result, the developer has been asked to address the many concerns raised by communities and stakeholders, such as cumulative impacts, consumption of grid capacity, and safeguarding food security.
The concerns and frustrations about the Alaw Môn solar farm have long been known locally, with many residents sharing their concerns about the cumulative impact of Alaw Môn and Lightsource BP’s Maen Hir solar development, which is currently undergoing its statutory pre-application consultation.
Taken together, the projects would cover over 3,700 acres of land near Llyn Alaw, which has sparked fears among communities about the impact this will have on the agricultural and tourism sectors on the island, the area’s natural landscapes, as well as the lack of economic and employment opportunities.
In a joint statement, the Member of the Senedd and Member of Parliament for Ynys Môn, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS and Llinos Medi MP, said "The news of a suspension in the determination process for the Alaw Môn solar farm on Ynys Môn is welcomed and is down to the hard work and the willingness of communities on Ynys Môn to engage with the planning process and raise their concerns.
"It was clear from the number of consultation responses alone – over 500 individual representations made to Welsh Government – that the concerns surrounding this project are significant, and that the proposed project is unacceptable.
"We’re grateful to everyone who contributed to the consultation process – your voices have been heard."
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