Extra time is being sought by an energy firm to test whether wind speeds near Llangurig are strong enough to support two proposed windfarms.

Alasdair Adey, of Rhiwlas Energy Ltd and Banc Du Energy Park Ltd, has submitted two planning applications to Powys County Council asking for weather masts at both sites to be retained for a further two years. The companies are leading development work for Bute Energy’s two turbine projects in the area.

Planning permission for the masts was granted in September 2022, but only for a three-year period. A condition required both structures to be dismantled and the land restored by the end of September 2025.

Last summer the developer applied to vary that condition and remove the deadline, but during discussions with Powys planners was advised that full planning applications would be required to extend the timeframe.

In a planning statement, agent Dominic Brown of Stephenson Halliday said the applications were needed to allow continued monitoring.

“The applicant is submitting full planning applications to enable the meteorological masts to be retained in situ for an additional two-year period for the continued gathering of meteorological data,” he said.

“The planning application is solely for the retention of the masts. Any future wind farm proposal would be subject to a separate consenting process.

“This would allow for a further understanding of the wind characteristics of the site, including wind speeds, wind shear, turbulence and gust intensity. There will be no alterations to the external appearance or dimensions of the mast, or its current operation under this proposal.”

The tower stands 77.5 metres high, increasing to 82 metres with its lightning finial, and is secured to the ground by a steel base on a wooden platform, supported by 12 galvanised steel guy wires fixed to anchors buried two metres deep.

Mr Brown added that, once decommissioned, any trenches would be backfilled and the land reinstated to its previous appearance.

A decision on the applications is expected by 16 January.

The Rhiwlas development, 1.3km south-east of Llangurig, proposes 13 advanced turbines capable of powering 79,000 homes a year. The Banc Du scheme, 2km north of the village, proposes six turbines generating enough energy for 40,000 homes.

Both schemes are classed as Developments of National Significance and will be examined by Planning and Environment Decisions Wales, with a Welsh Government minister making the final decision.