Is an application for a weather mast the first step in building a windfarm?

Plans have been submitted for a temporary meteorological mast on land north-west of Nant Gwernog, about 8.5 kilometres east of Llanddewi-Brefi.

Lan Fawr Energy Park Limited is seeking full planning permission to erect the mast and ancillary structures to measure wind and weather conditions at the Ceredigion site.

Weather masts are often an early step in assessing whether land is suitable for wind turbines, although the current application is solely for monitoring equipment and does not seek consent for a wind farm.

The data gathered can help developers estimate wind speeds, direction and consistency before deciding whether to pursue a larger energy project.

Ceredigion County Council received the application on 10 August.

To comment, visit the planning section on the council’s website.