Project Info

The proposed Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn will be sited approximately 5km south of Builth Wells in close proximity to the settlements of Upper Chapel, Gwenddwr, Crickadarn and Erwood in the administrative area of Powys County Council (PCC). The Sennybridge Tactical Training Area (TTA) is located to the west of the site. The map below shows the site location and boundary (outlined in red) in the context of the surrounding area. Please note that the red line denotes the site location. For the siting of the wind turbines, solar panels and battery storage, please see the site layout plan.

The Proposal

The Proposed Development site is not located within one of the Pre-Assessed Areasas defined in the National Development Framework (NDF) – Future Wales: The National Plan 2040. However,he National Plan notes that “Outside of these areas a positive policy framework still exists, subject to policy 18.

Under the Developments of National Significance (Specified Criteria and Prescribed Secondary Consents) (Wales) Regulations 2016, Banc y Celyn meets the threshold to qualify as a Development of National Significance (DNS). As of 2019, the DNS threshold regarding generating stations comprises all energy generation projects over 10MW. Therefore, with a proposed capacity of approximately 195MW export and 50MW import, the proposed project meets this threshold.

Project Details

The Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn proposal comprises of up to 27 wind turbines with a tip height of up to 200 m with a generation capacity of approximately 165MW, 30MW of ground mounted solar panels and up to 50MW of battery storage.

The preliminary design has been developed by a multidisciplinary project team involving technical and environmental disciplines. Prior to the proposals being finalised, the project design and evolution will be the subject of various rounds of consultation with the public, as well as other stakeholders such as the relevant local authorities and public bodies.

Project Benefits

It is anticipated that that Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn will have the potential to generate around 700,000 MWh of electricity annually, sufficient to meet the needs of over 215,000 households*.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

The project team are currently undertaking a suite of environmental surveys and assessments across the site. The results will be incorporated into the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the energy park design process. The resulting surveys will inform the final layout that strike a balance between maximising renewable energy generation and associated benefits whilst avoiding, reducing or mitigating any adverse impacts.

A formal request for an EIA Scoping Direction for the Proposed Development of Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn was submitted to Planning and Environment Decision Wales (PEDW) on 6th March 2025. The scoping request can be viewed via the online PEDW portal (https://planningcasework.service.gov.wales/) using the reference CAS-02388-W7G1H4.

The scoping documents can also be viewed below:

Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn EIA Scoping Report Cover Letter

Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn EIA Scoping Report Main Text

Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn EIA Scoping Report Appendices A F

Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn EIA Scoping Report Appendix G part 1

Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn EIA Scoping Report Appendix G part 2

Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn EIA Scoping Report Appendix H

Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn EIA Scoping Report Appendix I

Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn EIA Scoping Report Appendix J part 1

Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn EIA Scoping Report Appendix J part 2

Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn EIA Scoping Report Appendix J part 3

Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn EIA Scoping Report Appendix J part 4

Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn EIA Scoping Report Appendix K

Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn EIA Scoping Report Appendix L part 1

Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn EIA Scoping Report Appendix L part 2

*Calculated using the most recent statistics from DESNZ showing that annual GB average domestic household consumption is 3,239kWh (as of January 2024, updated annually)

Welsh Government, (2021). Future Wales: The National Plan 2040. Available online at: https://www.gov.wales/future-wales-national-plan-2040
The Developments of National Significance (Specified Criteria and Prescribed Secondary Consents) (Wales) Regulations 2016. Available online at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2016/53/contents/made