ONCE again wind turbines dominate the county council’s planning agenda with six due to for discussion this morning (Tuesday) - a number of which had been deferred from last month’s meeting.

Adding the renewable energy theme of the Planning and Rights of Way Committee meeting are three applications for solar photovoltaic farms in Tiers Cross, Rhoscrowther and Scleddau.

Last month it was decided that a site visit was required before a decision could be taken on plans for a 500kW wind turbine measuring 77metres to blade tip on land east of Blaencilgoed Farm, Ludchurch and at The Paddock, Mathry, where an application for a 50kW turbine has been made.

As well as revisiting these plans committee members will also rule on plans for a 500kW wind turbine at Pen y bank and at Melin, Penbanc both near Castle Morris.

There are also two applications for turbines at Hayscastle.

The application at Blaencilgoed Farm is recommended for approval by planning officers despite objections from the National Park Authority and 128 objections from the local community.

It appears likely that the plan for a turbine measuring 24.6metres to hub height and 34.2metres to blade tip at The Paddock, Mathry, will be further deferred as officers have recommended that the submission of further information in relation to the cumulative impact of the scheme in necessary.

The planning report also states that the potential effect on those living in the nearest neighbouring properties should be further assessed.

The application at Pen y bank, Castle Morris, seeks permission for a turbine measuring 50 metres to hub and 79metres to blade tip.

One hundred and thirty-five letters and emails of support were received, taking the form of two generic letters and one generic email with some further comments added.

There were also 101 letters and emails of objections, including two petitions signed by a total of 83 people. There were also 136 post cards of objections.

The second application at Melin, Penbanc received 144 generic letters of support and 96 objections, two petitions signed by a total of 83 people and 179 post cards of objections.

Both Castle Morris applications are recommended for refusal on the grounds that the turbine’s height and location would have a ‘significant adverse impact on the character and visual amenity of the area, including the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’ and a ‘detrimental impact on the historic landscape’.

At Hayscastle applications have been made for turbines measuring 24.6metres to hub and 34.2 metres to blade tip at land west of Tancredston and land south west of Hayscastle, both submitted by applicant Peter Gwyther.

Both are recommended for refusal on the grounds of inadequate information.