COUNCILLORS are going to carry out a site visit before deciding on plans to build a wind turbine at Portfield Gate.

The application from Marco Sarra came before Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee on Tuesday, February 24.

It sought permission to erect a 35.4 metre wind turbine on farm land at Hillmoor Field, Hangstone Davey.

Addressing the committee on Mr Sarra’s behalf with his father Romeo Sarra.

He said: “The land has been in the family since 1964 and has been passed down to Marco from his grandfather.

“The project would make use of this unproductive marshy farm land and provide an extra financial income to the family run farm."

Mr Sarra added that the application had been carefully designed to complement the existing turbine of a similar size nearby.

Opposing the application was Francis Golden. He said: “The one business which is thriving in Pembrokeshire is tourism, and the Havens are a hotspot.

“As you drive from Haverfordwest to Portfield Gate, there is a long stretch of road. At the end of that stretch there is a big turbine, totally alien to the countryside, but there it is.

“This proposal is to build a similar turbine to the left, so drivers will be driving more or less between two goal posts.”

Mr Golden added the only person set to benefit from the scheme was the landowner.

Planning officers recommended that the turbine be approved subject to conditions, but councillors were reluctant to go along with it.

Councillor Peter Stock said: “When you drive down the main road with the evening sun in your face, the flicker effect of the existing turbine is astronomical.

“I’m not against this turbine as such, but location is very important to me.”

He requested that members go on a site visit so they can be sure in their minds before voting.

Cllr Stock’s suggestion was passed by six votes to five.