A new grassroots campaign has formed to protect Epynt’s landscapes from a proposed 22-wind turbine development.

Amddiffyn Mynydd Epynt (AME) has been established in response to Bute Energy’s Garreg Fawr Energy Park. The proposed development would see 22 turbines built, each up to 220 metres tall, around nine kilometres north-west of Brecon, near the village of Llanfihangel Nant Brân. The project, which was first announced back in September, includes access tracks, a substation, a control building, and other infrastructure. Bute Energy says it could generate enough electricity to power nearly 110,000 homes a year.

Amddiffyn translates as “Protect.”

AME spokesperson Mark Collins said: “We do not accept the industrialisation of this beautiful part of Wales, which would continue the historic pattern of resource extraction for profit and the displacement of people for interests that are not our own. The wellbeing of the land, and of the communities who belong to it, must always come first.

“Bute Energy is pressing ahead before communities have a chance to understand the full implications of their plans. Limited information is shared, financial incentives are offered, and subtle pressure is applied - all within an infrastructure planning process that marginalises local voices. We have formed AME to change that.

“Although this campaign was born out of negative circumstances, we have a positive, hopeful, and creative vision of the future.”

The group has a placeholder website at: www.ame.cymru

Residents have already submitted a 106-page response to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales, raising concerns about wildlife, peat, water, noise, visual impact, and tourism.

The group is now producing a community information leaflet to help ensure that every household in the area understands the scale and implications of what is being proposed.

AME says it promotes genuinely green, sustainable lifestyles and will convene Community Assemblies to enable residents to share knowledge, consider evidence, and shape local decisions together.

The group’s formation follows Powys County Council’s unanimous decision on October 9 to call on the Welsh Government to pause all wind development proposals in Powys until their effects on rural communities and landscapes are fully understood.

Speaking when Garreg Fawr was first proposed, 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 plans have drawn criticism ever since they were first announced.

In September, around 70 residents from Llanfihangel Nant Bran, Merthyr Cynog, and surrounding areas packed into Llanfihangel Nant Bran village hall to hear details about the proposal. Residents reacted with shock and anger, and those present voted unanimously to back a resolution condemning the plans.

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