RUTHIN could be put at serious risk of flooding if windfarm developments are allowed to go ahead according to a politician. Tegni Cymru Cyf have now submitted their application for 13 turbines, each 125 metres tall, less than two miles to the south west of Nantglyn and eight miles west of Ruthin. The application follows hot on the heels of another from Windpower Wales, who want to build 16 turbines next to the existing Tir Mostyn site near Nantglyn, already home to 25 turbines. However, Clwyd West AM Darren Millar claims the removal of thousands of trees in Clocaenog Forest to make way for future developments could lead to a serious flooding risk. “What is particularly disturbing - besides the fact the turbines are bigger – is it involves the felling of more trees and I am concerned given the history of flooding in Ruthin,” he said. “Trees take a lot of water out of the ground and climate change says we are going to have much more water in the future.” The two applications in recent weeks, if given the go-ahead, would lead to a total of 54 turbines in close proximity. Mr Millar claimed this would lead essentially lead to one massive wind farm. “It is extremely disappointing - there are strong local objections coming from the area and I’ve got a duty to represent my constituents on the matter,” he said. “These kind of piecemeal developments which are going on will basically lead to one huge wind farm which would normally have to seek the permission of the Department of Trade and Industry.” The politician added he would continue to seek a review of the Assembly’s TAN 8 policy, which pinpointed seven strategic sites for large-scale wind farms in Wales, including the Denbigh Moors. Michael Skuse, of the Hiraethog Alliance, pointed to the fact that, with confirmed schemes and others in the pipeline, the total number of turbines could rise to over 100 in the region. “We are talking to AMs and MPs - we will certainly object to any wind farm application outside the Clocaenog wind farm zone because it would be seen to contravene the policy. “We would be locally objecting to it on the basis of noise and other reasons but our principal job at the moment is to raise awareness with politicians.” An environmental statement accompanying Tegni’s application reads: “It is concluded that, providing suitable mitigation measures are in place, the proposed wind farm will not have any significant adverse impacts on the hydrology of the development site or adjacent areas.” | 
