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An archaeologist has raised concerns over the impact of a potential new wind farm in Caerphilly County Borough – with fears that important historical features could be affected.

The Twyn Hywel Energy Park could see 14 turbines built on land between Senghenydd, Nelson and Cilfynydd.

Cardiff-based Bute Energy is behind the windfarm, which could be up and running by 2025 if it is granted ‘Development of National Significance’ status by the Welsh Government.

However, Professor George Nash, a specialist in rock art from the University of Liverpool, said the archaeological assessment carried out by Bute Energy failed “to fully uncover and understand the historical potential of this common land”.

His comments come following the verification of a cup-marked stone in Llanfabon, on the boundary of the proposed energy park, earlier this year.

Bute Energy has insisted the windfarm has been “designed to avoid impact on known historical and archaeological features, including the Llanfabon stone”.

Prof Nash continued: “The cup-marked stone found at Tai’r waun Isaf could be the remains of a neolithic burial ritual monument or a significant meeting place or landscape marker.

“This may be associated with further rock art, fallen standing stones, cist burials and cairns of Late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age date found on Mynydd Eglwysilan, and other upland areas within the locality.”

He added: “I am deeply committed to preserving our cultural heritage. At the same time, I recognise the global necessity of renewable energy for mitigating climate change and achieving a sustainable future.”

Archaeology survey

Prof Nash said the stone was not identified by Bute Energy during an archaeology survey – something denied by the firm.

Matthew Haughton, project manager of Twyn Hywel Energy Park, said: “During the consultation process, we agreed the scope of the pre-application archaeological evaluation of the site with both Cadw and the Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust.

“This included a range of different assessment measures including a desk-based assessment and gathering data from the detailed historic environment record, receiving data from statutory bodies, independent experts and interested parties, as well as site-walkover surveys and a geophysical survey.” 

Mr Haughton continued: “As set out in the Environmental Impact Assessment, the archaeological and heritage assets in the area are assessed, in consultation with Cadw and the Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust. The ‘Llanfabon Stone’ cup-marked rock is included in this assessment and the project has been designed to avoid it. 

“During construction, there will be an archaeological watching brief, with an archaeological clerk of works monitoring construction activity, making sure that if any previously unknown archaeological and heritage assets are discovered, that they are protected on site during construction.”

Professor Nash’s calls backed

Prof Nash’s calls have been backed by the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales (CPRW), whose spokesperson Ross Evans said: “We stand at a crossroads where we must recognise both the importance of preserving our history and the pressing need to move towards renewable energy sources.”

Mr Evans expressed “significant concerns” over potential archaeological loss due to the development but reiterated: “We also understand the imperative to transition to net zero to safeguard our environment for future generations.”

CPRW has called on the Welsh Government and Cadw to carry out a “comprehensive archaeological assessment”.

Windfarm could power “the equivalent of 81,000 households a year”

Mr Haughton, of Bute Energy, said the development “could generate 92.4 megawatts of clean, green energy – which would power the equivalent of 81,000 households a year”.

He said the project would help towards the Welsh Government’s target for 100% renewable energy by 2035.  

He continued: “The project has a Community Benefit Fund of £693,000 a year for the local area – more than £30m over the project’s up to 45-year operational life.”

Mr Haughton said the money “will provide local groups, charities and services with funding to sustain their work, create new innovative projects that benefit local people”.

“The fund is linked to the Consumer Price Index to allow for economic inflation and to future proof the funding,” he added.

One group that could benefit from funding through the scheme is the Senghenydd Youth Drop-in Centre (SYDIC), which has partnered with Bute Energy to receive support from the project.