A 'dramatic' rise in the number of wind turbine applications in and close to the Pembrokeshire National Park is straining the park’s ability to absorb such developments without significant harm to the landscape, it’s being said.

One park member even described wind turbine impact as ‘horrific’.

The discussion took place as further guidance on the impact of wind turbines was put out for consultation.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority received draft guidance produced for itself, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire county councils which sets out an agreed approach for the three authorities to assess the cumulative impact of onshore turbines.

An officer’s report said the park has experienced a ‘dramatic increase’ in the number of applications and enquiries for turbines.

The report said: “This has placed an increased strain on the park landscape’s capability to effectively absorb multiple wind turbine developments, both within and close to its boundary, without significant harm.

“As such, the cumulative visual impact of turbines upon the existing landscape is increasingly becoming a key consideration during the determination of planning applications.

“Of particular relevance is the cumulative impact of sporadic, individual, small to medium scale turbines, which can collectively become a key defining landscape characteristic, to the detriment of the existing special qualities of the national park.”

The consultation document recognises the ‘cross boundary issue of cumulative visual impact’.

Authority member Tony Brinsden said concerns had been raised about areas where turbines on county council land are visible from the park.

He added: “The cumulative effect is going to be horrific for these things that are only 30 per cent efficient.

“The tourism industry in Pembrokeshire is likely to be affected and as far as I’m concerned that’s a total no, no.”