A Powys AM has said that the publication of a study into the potential impacts of onshore wind farms and associated grid infrastructure on the visitor economy within Wales, proves that a significant ‘displacement’ effect occurs where pylons and wind farms are sited and developed.
The recently published research findings (4 April), was the culmination of an examination into the economic impact of wind farms and associated grid infrastructure on the tourism industry in Wales, which was formally commissioned by the Welsh Government last year.
The Government were encouraged to undertake this research by the National Assembly’s Environment and Sustainability Committee, who made the recommendation during its inquiry into energy policy and planning in Wales back in 2012. However Montgomeryshire Assembly Member, Russell George, has been pushing Welsh Ministers to publish this report for some months, as the Government made a commitment to the National Assembly in October that it would be published by the end of 2013.
The report produced by Regeneris Consulting and the Tourism Centre, made a number of key findings about the potential impact the proliferated growth of onshore wind farms and pylons will have on Welsh tourism. It stated that while the development of the technology in Wales was modest compared to some other countries globally, where negative effects have occurred in those countries it has resulted in tourism ‘displacement’, which according to the report’s authors, is ‘likely to be the case in Wales’.
The report states that while there were few local case studies, there was anecdotal evidence that showed visitors had stayed away due to wind farms. It also highlighted that certain locations in Wales are more sensitive to wind farm development on account of their landscapes, types of visitor, limited product diversity and proximity to wind farms and that the more rural parts Powys would fall into this category.
The report also looked at the impact of construction and development and identified that this was a major cause of concern for many businesses in those case study areas examined, particularly in relation to noise and traffic, as well as the closure and diversion of public footpaths or other popular routes.
However in relation to the tourism impacts of associated infrastructure, it concluded that the evidence base was ‘far less developed’ than that for wind farms. It stated that the few studies which have addressed the subject have focused on visitors’ opinions of pylons, which consistently find that reactions are far more negative than toward wind turbines. The authors felt that this strong feeling toward grid infrastructure presents an increased risk for those areas where new pylons are proposed alongside considerable wind farm development, particularly ‘North Powys’.
Commenting on the report, Mr George said:
“As I suspected, pylons and onshore wind farms do have a negative impact on the tourism industry.
“The Welsh Government has dragged his feet on this issue for too long and I can understand why they have been reluctant to publish this report; it’s clear that this issue must be addressed.
“Local economies across Mid Wales face a hammer blow from the additional infrastructure that comes with wind farms – and the potential for tourism displacement is huge.
“Yet instead of standing up for the rights and views of local people, the Welsh Government continues to stubbornly standby its TAN 8 planning guidance which has encouraged developers to Mid Wales.
“The report is clear about the cumulative impact that turbines and pylons have together and only last week I gave evidence to the fourth session of the Mid Wales Public Inquiry which examined this very issue, including the economic impact on our tourism sector.
“Call me cynical but I find it strange that this report which has been delayed for months, happens to slip out the day after that session formally concluded.
“This cannot be swept under the carpet; its conclusions should be seriously considered and appropriate action taken.
“Despite the closure of that Inquiry session, I will be writing to the Planning Inspector to ensure this report is taken into consideration.
“I will also be pursuing Welsh Ministers to make a formal statement to the National Assembly on this report so it can be properly debated.”
