A plan to designate large swathes of central Anglesey for wind and solar farms looks set to be opposed by the local authority.

The Welsh Government is consulting on its draft National Development Framework (NDF), which will set the national priorities through the planning system  from 2020 to 2040.

If adopted, the proposed zones will be identified in over a dozen areas across Wales – including a 65 square mile area of central Anglesey for “large scale wind and solar energy generation”.

But, in a draft response to the ongoing consultation, Anglesey Council has described the plans as “of significant concern”, questioning the justification and evidence for selection of the majority of the island as a priority area.

According to the Welsh Government, the strategy has been designed to avoid such developments within national parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which includes large parts of the island’s coast.

The Welsh Government is consulting on its draft National Development Framework, which will set the direction for development in Wales from 2020 to 2040

But fears have been raised by local campaigners it would result in wind turbines up to 250 metres high being presumed to have planning permission.

Set for final approval by councillors on Thursday, the draft report notes: “Whilst Anglesey is an Energy Island, that does not mean the majority of the island should be considered as available to host additional new energy developments no matter what the environmental, economic and community impacts might be, which IACC (the council) consider will be the result of the NDF as currently drafted.”

How climatic changes and events impact on crop growth

In the new report, experts revealed the ways climatic events affect the growth of produce:

Heavy rainfall poses a risk as waterlogged land prevents access and harvest, whilst also leading to reduced yields and an increase in diseases.

Droughts often result in reduced yield as well as an increased demand for irrigation (though water supplies may not be available)

Flooding impacts on produce through soil erosion, ultimately killing plants and leading to long-term yield loss, for example through an increased susceptibility of roots to disease

Heatwaves reduce the quality and quality of yields, as well as bringing crop losses

Storms have an impact on crop growth through a loss of leaves, damage from hail or wind as well as supply chain disruptions

Frosts pose a risk following the increase in warmer winters, which may hasten flowering in fruit crops, therefore leading to greater susceptibility to late spring frosts

'Very concernd'

The response, compiled by Dylan Williams, director of place and community well-being, also flags up concerns that the potential of a new nuclear power station at Wylfa and associated transmission network – presumably a new row of overhead pylons –  have not been considered and its definition of low carbon production is “too narrow”.

Further concerns have been raised that a lack of consideration has been given to the island’s tourism industry, which generates £311m a year for the local economy and supports 4,000 jobs.

There is a wind farm at Clocaenog Forest

“Visitors come to Anglesey to experience is its unique character and very special sense of place, peaceful and tranquil setting, its beaches, seascapes and its dramatic landscapes,” says Mr Williams’ report.

“Approximately 95% of Anglesey’s coastline is designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It has 50km of Heritage Coast (including North Anglesey) as well as a number of other National and European designated sites.

“The designation of the majority of the island for solar and wind (with virtually no socio-economic benefits) could potentially have a significant detrimental effect on the island’s tourism industry as the landscape and visual element of rural Anglesey could be significantly affected.”

'We need to respond the climate change'

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We have a responsibility to respond to the climate emergency and plan for our national energy needs.

“The framework designates priority areas where large-scale wind and solar development will be acceptable in principle.

“Any schemes must still go through the normal planning application process.”

The consultation document for the National Development Framework is available here.