MEMBERS of the public applauded councillors who voted down plans to site two wind turbines near Castlemorris.

The planning application from Jonathan Watson Miller came before Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee on Tuesday, February 24, with a recommendation for refusal.

It sought permission to erect two 48 metre wind turbines on land east of Penybanc Farm, Penybanc

Addressing the committee, Mr Watson Miller said: “Looking at the planning officer’s written advice, I can see you have no option but to refuse the application as it stands.

“We are of a different position and will therefore be taking the application to appeal.

“I therefore don’t propose to go into any further detail of what the planning officer has said, because he said there is not enough information to draw any conclusions. So we’re not going to put our arguments forward at this stage.”

He added: “The demographic supporting this application is of a younger age.

Mr Watson Miller was heckled by members of the public gallery who were warned they would have to leave the room if they continued.

“It is grossly unfair to the speaker,” said the chairman Myles Pepper.

Speaking in opposition to the application was Cath Simpson. She said: “These turbines would be the highest structures in north Pembrokeshire, 13 metres higher than St David’s Cathedral and clearly visible for miles.

“This is one of the most attractive parts of Wales and we should make the most of its natural attributes.

“The number of turbines in the landscape is increasing all the time, their sole purpose being the financial gain on the part of landowners.”

Councillors were unanimous in voting in favour of the recommendation for refusal.

Just last year Mr Watson Miller was refused permission to build a 79 metre turbine in the same area, a decision he unsuccessfully appealed.