A proposed major wind farm development in Powys is facing fresh questions over its viability after concerns emerged that the site lies within a Ministry of Defence (MoD) safeguarding zone where turbine construction is restricted.

Wind2’s proposed Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn energy park - located close to the MoD’s Sennybridge Training Area (SENTA) - could fall within a 10-kilometre exclusion zone set out in Powys County Council’s Local Development Plan (LDP). The area is classified as a protected “strategic resource” due to its importance to military operations and airspace safeguarding.

The development, approximately 5km south of Builth Wells and near the villages of Upper Chapel, Gwenddwr, Crickadarn, and Erwood, envisages up to 27 turbines, each reaching heights of up to 200 metres. The project also includes plans for a 30MW solar farm and up to 50MW of battery storage, covering roughly 1,211 hectares.

A 2017 Statement of Common Ground between Powys County Council and the MoD states that wind energy developments would not be appropriate within 10km of the SENTA site. This safeguarding policy is embedded in the current LDP under Policy SP7, which designates the training area as a strategic asset requiring protection.

In response to questions from County Councillor Iain McIntosh (Reform UK), who represents Yscir with Honddu Isaf and Llanddew, the council confirmed the safeguarding policy remains valid. The Cabinet’s reply stated that “development proposals must not have an unacceptable adverse impact” on the military facility.

Wind2 has acknowledged the significance of SENTA and related safeguarding concerns but told the Brecon & Radnor Express it was not informed of the 10km restriction during early engagement with the council.

“We’ve also been in regular contact with Powys County Council as part of our broader engagement. To date, safeguarding constraints have not been raised through these discussions,” the developer said.

Wind2 confirmed ongoing dialogue with the MoD and added that so far, “the MoD hasn’t raised any safeguarding issues relating to the site.” The company submitted a formal scoping request to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) in March 2025 and clarified that no planning application has yet been lodged.

“The next steps will be informed by the outcome of the scoping process as well as further technical input from National Grid regarding connection points and timescales,” said the developer.

“We’re still at an early stage and are committed to working closely with the community throughout.”

But given the safeguarding restrictions, it remains unclear how the development will proceed.

Cllr McIntosh criticised the council’s handling of the matter, stating: “It is now absolutely clear that Powys County Council has failed in its duty to properly inform Wind2 about the 10-kilometre exclusion zone around the Sennybridge Training Area - a safeguard agreed with the Ministry of Defence and still enshrined in the Council’s own Local Development Plan.

“Wind2 have confirmed they have been in ongoing discussions with Powys County Council throughout the early stages of this project, yet they were never made aware of this fundamental constraint. Had they been told from the outset, it is highly unlikely they would have invested significant time and money into pursuing a scheme which is, in effect, ruled out by existing planning policy.

“The result is that false hope has been given to local landowners who stood to benefit financially, and to the wider community who were led to believe they could receive up to £1 million a year in community funding — when in reality, the project should not have progressed this far in the first place.”

He has called on the Liberal Democrat/Labour-run council to “immediately and fully engage” with both Wind2 and the MoD to ensure all pre-existing protections for the training area are respected and enforced.

“This cannot be brushed aside in the rush to cover more of our beautiful countryside with industrial wind turbines,” added Cllr McIntosh.

When asked whether Powys County Council explicitly advised Wind2 of the 10km safeguarding constraint during pre-application or scoping discussions, and whether the council considers the zone a firm exclusion area or one subject to potential revision pending MoD input, a council spokesperson said:

“All developers are required to comply with the adopted Local Development Plan, and relevant policies are highlighted during pre-application discussions. However, no formal response has yet been issued regarding this specific development.”

The Ministry of Defence confirmed it is investigating the issue but has yet to issue a formal response.