A MAJORITY of councillors turned down plans to site a wind turbine near Manorowen, but the ultimate decision on whether to grant permission lies with the Welsh Government.

Members of the County Council’s planning committee went against their officer’s recommendation to approve the 34.5 metre turbine at Hendre Wen, and voted in favour of refusal.

But their decision was only to establish the authority’s position on the application which is subject to a planning appeal for non-determination.

Speaking on behalf of the applicant was Mary James, who lives at Hendre Wen Farm.

She said: “We’ve made this application because we need to reduce our electricity costs to provide for our own energy needs and also provide extra income for financial stability and future of our farm.

“I understand and appreciate that many people don’t like turbines, but equally many, like the 300 who signed and supported our application, have no problem with them.

“We run a holiday cottage less than half a mile from the proposed site. We have asked our holidaymakers over the summer for their response to the existing wind turbines in the area. Many failed to notice them and those that did were pleased they were providing green energy.”

Speaking on behalf of the objectors was Raymond Griffiths, a resident of Panteg.

He said: “I feel that the people of Panteg have been left out of all this, nothing has been said about the impact the turbine will have on them.

“We can hear the current turbines at Panteg, especially when the wind is fairly quiet. We can’t sit in the garden and we can’t even sit inside with the windows open without having the constant noise.

“The biggest objection I have is the fact that there is a wind farm being developed here. We have two turbines, this is a third, and we will be back here before long considering a fourth.”

Councillor Gwilym Price said: “I cannot support this application. I have every sympathy for farmers in the area, but I must take into account the residents of Panteg. It’s an area of outstanding beauty.”

Cllr Bob Kilmister added: “There are too many turbines too close to the National Park boundary. We are altering something which has a significant brand.”