Mixed response to large turbine plans (From Western Telegraph)

Mixed response to large turbine plans

1:00pm Saturday 16th March 2013 in News

A controversial proposal to build one of the highest wind turbines in Pembrokeshire has been given the green light, while a smaller turbine was refused.

The application to erect a 61-metre wind turbine to power a recycling plant run by AJ Recycling, in Meigan Wells, Blaenffos, Boncath, was given the go-ahead last Tuesday.

The 500 kilowatt turbine will replace two diesel generators that currently use 47,000 litres of fuel a year.

Applicant Sonya Jenkins said: “Wind energy is free, readily available and abundant.

All we have to do is harness it.” She added that the construction would boost jobs.

Presenting officer Ceri Jones said that the turbine would have a “detrimental effect on the landscape”, but Councillor Keith Lewis said that the turbine would only be visible from high points.

He said: “A casual glance would not bring the turbine to mind.”

Cllr Peter Stock said: “Tourism is a multi-million business in Pembrokeshire, and we must not kill the goose that lays the golden egg for us.”

However, an hour later, an application for a 50 kilowatt turbine, measuring 46.3 metres to blade tip, in Llawhaden was unanimously refused.

Presenting officer Peter Sedgwick said that the development would create a “significant detrimental impact” on the amenity and enjoyment of public rights of way users, and would be at odds with the historic environment.

Llawhaden Community Council clerk Margaret Bradley said that the village offered a “glorious view into our historical past and an escape for those seeking time away from busy lives” and that the structure would be clearly visible during winter months.

But Michael McNamara, speaking for the applicant, said that the planning officer’s report overstated the potential visual impact.

Cllr David Howlett said that the application, which received 235 letters of objection, failed to “br