A BID to build two 77 metre tall wind turbines near Llanfyrnach has failed after a planning inspector ruled they would harm the character and appearance of the surrounding landscape.

Cwm Arian Renewable Energy was refused planning permission by Pembrokeshire County Council to build the turbines at Trefawr Farm last September.

At the time the Director of Development said: “The proposal, by reason of the turbines’ height and location would have a significant adverse impact on the character and visual amenity of the area, including the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.”

As well as an objection from the National Park, 46 letters of objection were received raising concerns about a lack of consultation, impact on tourism, property values and aeroplane safety among others.

A total of 89 letters of support were also received, although the report said 37 had the same formatting and content.

The applicant lodged an appeal against the decision and planning inspector Sian Worden carried out a site visit on June 27.

In dismissing the appeal, she said: “The proposed turbines would stand near the top of a fairly steep slope which faces towards Llanfyrnach. Whilst buildings and vegetation would restrict most views of them from the village, their bases would be at about 80m above it and, when seen they would appear large and dominant.

“They would also be clearly visible from locations in surrounding villages, including Tegryn where they would be prominent above the skyline and conspicuously out of scale with the surrounding pattern of fields and woodland, as well as with the turbines at Dyffryn Brodyn some distance behind.”

The inspector added: “I am aware that the Countryside Council for Wales, now incorporated into Natural Resources Wales, did not object to the scheme on landscape grounds as it did not consider that there would be substantial effect on the National Park.

“My decision is based, however, on the impact on the landscape surrounding the proposed development.”