AN INSPECTOR has upheld a decision by Pembrokeshire County Council to refuse planning permission for two wind turbines at a farm near Castlemorris.

The appeal by Jonathan Watson Miller of Ynni Ltd was dismissed by Aidan McCooey because of the adverse effects the proposed turbines would have on the character and visual amenity of the area.

Mr Watson Miller had applied to build the two wind turbines - measuring 48m to blade tips – in a large field to the south east of Penybanc Farm near Castlemorris.

The application was submitted following the refusal of planning permission and dismissal at appeal of earlier proposals for two 79m high turbines on land to the west of Penybanc.

The second application was refused by Pembrokeshire County Council in February this year and Mr Watson Miller appealed.

In his report, Mr McCooey recognised the proposal would make a significant contribution to the Welsh Government’s targets and policy for sustainable energy generation. The benefits also included supplying electricity to Penybanc Farm and the income received would support the long term viability of the farm.

But the inspector concluded that the proposal would have an unacceptable impact on the landscape character and visual amenity of the area, and significant adverse effects on local residents and visitors to the area. There would also be some very limited adverse impacts on heritage assets.

Mr McCooey said: “In all these circumstances, I consider that the benefits of the scheme do not outweigh these adverse effects. The proposal fails to meet the requirements of the planning policies and the appeal must be dismissed.”