Radnor Forest wind farm delayed again
RE-think “unsurprised” at further delay to Bute Energy’s Radnor Forest wind farm planning application as Inspectors again call for more information
Press release 09/07/2026 Embargo: None
A decision on the future of a massive proposed wind farm on Radnor Forest seems further away than ever, after Planning Inspectors, for a second time, asked the Applicant, Bute Energy to provide more information.
The so-called “Nant Mithil Energy Park”, which is widely regarded as Bute Energy’s flagship project would comprise 30 wind turbines up to 220m tall on and around the highest hills in Radnorshire.
A series of delays have beset the application since it was first submitted to the planning inspectorate, PEDW in December 2024. Out-of-date surveys had to be repeated during 2025 before the application was finally verified in early November.
Following public consultation, the Inspectors asked Bute Energy for further information on several areas of the application. Another representation period was then held to consult the public on that further information.
Now, the Inspectors have again asked Bute to provide additional information. They have suspended their examination of the application until the end of September, with Bute given a deadline of 11th August to respond.
The Inspectors want Bute to provide the following:
An updated EIA which includes the environmental impact of proposed power line connecting to the site (Towy Usk line) and the transporting of Abnormal Indivisible Loads (AILs) ie blade delivery to the site
Clarification on deliverability of the project, referencing the transportation of abnormal loads to the site, new Welsh Government’s policies on undergrounding of power lines, and concerns of the National Air Traffic Services (NATS)
Updated peat and soil survey information
Noise (referencing the implications of the recent replacement of the old ETSU-R-97 guidelines)
Despite noting that Bute Energy does not consider the AIL route to be part of the planning application, the Inspectors clearly want to be assured that all the significant environmental effects of the project are laid out for examination, whether they lie inside or outside the site boundary.
While it considers whether, on this basis, it has provided enough information, they advise Bute Energy that it should “have regard” to the representations received, “including the representation provided by CPRW / ReThink.”
Jenny Chryss, RE-think Campaign Lead said: “These aren't just matters of fussy detail. There are fundamental issues here relating to an industrial-scale proposed development which would change the landscape and character of Radnorshire. With professional support, RE-think and CPRW raised a lot of these issues in our joint submission and I’m pleased to note the Inspectors’ recognition of this.
“In our view, rather than ensuring that all the information is provided, Bute Energy has so far tried to present this wind farm proposal as if it would sit in splendid isolation. Clearly the project could not exist without road access for the turbines and blades and would be pointless without a power line to transport the energy generated. For the latter, there is recent caselaw* which makes Bute Energy's approach even more worrying.
‘To be honest, this new suspension doesn't come as a surprise given the huge gaps in the information that Bute Energy has provided to date. This is the second time that the Inspectors have had to come back for more information from the Applicant. First time round the response was full of holes and now it seems they've still got important questions to answer.
“Bute Energy’s inexperience in the industry has always been evident, but this latest fiasco brings it home loud and clear.
“People living near Radnor Forest and along potential transport routes are worried sick about the effects that this proposal would have, should it be approved. Many live in fear that it will have a direct and appalling impact on their homes, their local environment, lives and businesses. But even at this late stage we are all still in the dark about exactly who will be most affected and where.
“The Inspectors are absolutely right to keep pushing for further clarity, but keeping people waiting for a decision, maybe for many more months or longer, due largely to Bute Energy's incompetence, is unacceptable."
*Raeshaw Farms Ltd v Scottish Ministers https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/media/t4eds4lr/2026csih10-raeshaw-farms-limited-against-scottish-ministers-and-another.pdf
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Jenny Chryss: 07850 726383 jenny.chryss@gmail.com
