FEEDBACK has been considered after a public consultation on the Awel y Môr offshore wind farm project.

With concerns raised about the visual impact of the wind farm, the offshore array area has been reduced further on its Western side, resulting in a 26 per cent reduction from the original project design in 2020.

The maximum number of turbines has also been reduced massively - from 91 to 35 to 50. The final number will depend on the size of the turbines that are available nearer the construction phase.

Whilst the size of the turbines will have an impact on the amount of power generated (the taller the turbines, the greater the electricity generation), it is still envisaged that they will generate enough electricity to supply clean, green energy to up to about half a million homes per year.

Rhyl Golf Club is not set to be impacted as much by the plans.

The proposal involved construction works within the grounds of Rhyl Golf Club. However, feedback received "clearly noted" that the golf club is enjoyed as an important community asset.

A design is now being developed that will avoid above ground works at the club.

Some access to the golf course will still be required but this will be temporary and is not expected to cause major disruption.

Tamsyn Rowe, Awel y Môr Project manager, said: “The feedback we received from the consultation was extremely valuable and will assist in informing our next steps in the planning process. We have significantly reduced the maximum number of turbines, as the visual impact was a key concern for many.

“Similarly, the importance of Rhyl Golf Club as a community focal area was emphasised, and we were consequently keen to communicate our amended proposals as early as possible in the development process to give the club some assurances and help support their own business activities and forward planning.

“We will continue to make design refinements as we move towards submitting our formal planning applications next year and continue to discuss these with interested parties, including relevant landowners.

“I would like to reiterate our thanks to all who contributed to this consultation process – the feedback has been so helpful to us.”

The six-week autumn consultation ended on October 11 2021. An engagement exercise involved 900 members of the public during roadshow. There was also more than 3,500 visitors on the online portal and 300 formal responses.

RWE, one of the world’s leading renewable businesses, is developing Awel y Môr on behalf of itself and partners. The project presents a huge opportunity for Wales as it strives to reach its target of producing 70 per cent of its electricity consumption from renewable energy sources by 2030.

RWE aims to submit its formal planning applications in Spring 2022.