Brecon and Radnorshire MS James Evans has voiced strong opposition to the proposed Garreg Fawr Energy Park, warning it risks “scarring” Mid Wales landscapes and damaging rural communities.

Renewable energy developer Bute Energy has drawn up proposals for up to 22 turbines, each up to 220 metres tall, on hills around nine kilometres north-west of Brecon. The scheme could power around 110,000 homes a year.

But Mr Evans said the scale of wind farm developments across the constituency amounted to “industrialisation of the Welsh countryside”, raising fears over biodiversity, tourism, low-level military flights, and a proposed 60-mile pylon route to export electricity.

Mr Evans said: “The latest proposals at Garreg Fawr could mean yet another wind farm development in our area. I question the location for this, being so close to the army range, and a low-fly zone. Yet again, pristine countryside is being threatened with this massive development. This could harm delicate ecoystems, endangered species, and scar our landscape. The proposal for 22 turbines will be seen for miles around, could deter tourists from coming, and hurt us economically.

“I want to be clear, I’m not against renewable energy. But what’s being proposed here in our constituency is on a completely different scale. These are vast, industrial wind farms with turbines over 200 metres tall which is twice the height of Big Ben, and taller than anything currently in Wales.

“We are not going to receive any of this electricity. None of the power will stay in Mid Wales, and local people will be left with the noise, disruption, and destruction of our landscape. Developers promise so-called ‘community benefits’, but these are a drop in the ocean compared to the profits they’ll make from exploiting our land.

“I will continue to fight to stop these proposals, raising this in the Senedd and in the media. Everyone should take a close look at the plans at Garreg Fawr and at the other sites to see how massive and overwhelming these developments would be. I urge everyone to take part in every stage of the consultation and make their voices heard.”

Bute Energy said the project was part of a £3 billion investment in Welsh renewables, with a community benefit fund worth up to £1.15 million per year and plans to support jobs, schools and nature access.

Lauren Foster, Project Manager at Bute Energy said: “From tackling the climate crisis, the cost of living, and our reliance on gas from abroad, there’s huge potential for renewable energy in Wales to deliver lasting benefits for Wales and our communities.

“We’re looking forward to hearing from local people how we can help support projects and tackle issues in communities around the site – so we can deliver real benefits to local people.”

The development is classed as a Development of National Significance (DNS), meaning the final planning application will be considered by Welsh Ministers.

Bute Energy is currently running an initial consultation on the proposals, open until October 29: https://bute.energy/garreg-fawr/overview/