Three farms win turbine approval (From Western Telegraph)

Three farms win turbine approval

2:30pm Saturday 6th October 2012 in News

A trio of farms near Manorbier will harness the power of the wind after plans for a turbine each were approved by the National Park.

Separate plans had been submitted for 15-metre tall 5kw turbines at Thornhill, Norchard Farm and Shipping Hill, all near the Ridgeway area.

Heulwen Davies, of Norchard Farm, spoke at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park development management committee on behalf of the three applications, stating that the turbines would provide power for the farms as well as a small amount of income.

Manorbier Community Council approved the plans but neighbouring Penally Community Council objected, so the proposals were brought before the committee and recommended for approval by officers.

Concerns were raised by Welsh Assembly Government appointee David Ellis that the applications would lead to a cluster of turbines.

But members were reminded that the plans must be considered individually.

A visual impact assessment was carried out and all of the turbines were considered acceptable and would not have any detrimental impact on the special character of the national park landscape.

However, a turbine of similar height but with larger blades at Philbeach Farm, Dale, was refused despite support from the local community council.