More than 300 residents turned out to a public meeting recently in Llandrindod Wells to discuss proposals for the Nant Mithil Energy Park in Radnor Forest.

The meeting was organised by MS for Brecon and Radnorshire James Evans, who urged the community to submit formal responses before the consultation closes on December 23.

The meeting, held at the Metropole Hotel, focused on the Development of National Significance (DNS) application submitted by Bute Energy for 30 turbines, each up to 220 metres high. The planning application, now live with Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), is now subject to public consultation.

Mr Evans told attendees the window to respond is “extremely short” and stressed the importance of formally recording local views. “Whether you support or oppose this proposal, your views must be submitted before that cut-off, or they will not be considered,” he said.

“This meeting showed how deeply people care about this area,” said Mr Evans.

“During the question-and-answer session, residents made clear their concerns about the impact these turbines could have on our landscape, our tourism sector, and the identity of Brecon and Radnorshire as a whole. Attendees also raised concerns over potential health implications and living close to such a high density of super-sized turbines.”

Representatives from the developers were invited but did not attend in person, providing a written statement instead. Regional Senedd Members were also invited but sent apologies.

The meeting included contributions from environmental and community groups, including Jonathan Colchester of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales (CPRW) and Jenny Chryss from ReThink. Speakers raised concerns over the potential impact on the landscape, tourism, and local communities, highlighting the cumulative effect of multiple large-scale wind developments in the region. Some questioned whether additional energy production is necessary given that Powys already generates more power than it consumes.

A straw poll of attendees indicated the majority opposed the Nant Mithil proposals.

Mr Evans said he would be submitting his own objection to PEDW and pledged to continue pressing the Welsh Government and developers to recognise local concerns.

Bute Energy, in its statement, defended the proposals as part of Wales’ renewable energy strategy. The company said Nant Mithil Energy Park “represents an ideal location for onshore wind development” and highlighted changes made following community engagement, including reducing the number of turbines from 36 to 30 and lowering the maximum height of most turbines. The statement said the company had conducted more than 1,300 engagements with local people and would continue to respond to feedback through the formal PEDW consultation. Bute Energy said it could not attend the meeting in person due to “the escalation of abuse and threat levels to staff during recent consultation events.”

Submissions to PEDW can be made until December 23 here.