A new community-led organisation, Amddiffyn Mynydd Epynt (AME), has been established to raise awareness of plans for a major wind development close to Epynt and to share information with residents about the potential impacts on the surrounding landscape. The group has been set up following Bute Energy’s proposal for the Garreg Fawr Energy Park, which would include twenty-two 220-metre turbines near Llanfihangel Nant Brân.

AME spokesperson Mark Collins said the group had been set up because many local people felt that the current planning process did not give communities sufficient opportunity to understand or respond to such proposals.

“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.”

He added that the group aims to increase transparency and enable constructive community engagement:

“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.”

AME also emphasised that, although the campaign began in response to a specific development proposal, its outlook is forward-looking:

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

Local residents have already submitted a 106-page response to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), raising concerns about ecology, wildlife, peat and water systems, noise, wellbeing, visual impact and tourism. AME is now preparing a community information leaflet to ensure that every household in the area has access to up-to-date information.

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

AME plans to convene future Community Assemblies to share evidence, support discussion, and enable residents to take part in decisions affecting the area. More information is available at www.ame.cymru.

If your organisation has updates or statements relating to proposals, consultations or community activity in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), please share them with Brecon Beacons Tourism so we can keep the sector informed.