COUNCILLORS were unanimous in refusing plans to site two wind turbines near Letterston.

The application from Thomas Francis was discussed by the County Council’s planning committee on November 4.

It proposed to build two 41.8 metre turbines on land north of Pentre Farm, which is located next to Ysgubor Mountain, south of the Gwaun Valley.

Planning officers recommended that the development be refused as the turbines would have a ‘significant impact on the character and visual amenity of the area.’

Addressing the committee was the applicant’s agent Callum Morris.

“It is key that local agricultural businesses are supported to diversify,” he said.

“Not only will this scheme generate renewable energy it will help sustain local jobs for local people.”

Speaking on behalf of Puncheston Community Council was John Griffiths.

He said: “It's the community council’s policy to support planning applications for single wind turbines for dairy farms, providing they are not in a very prominent area.

“This application is being objected to due to the prominence of the location.

“Yesterday I stood on the road where the first turbine would be located and ascertained that these two turbines would be visible from many parts of Pembrokeshire, including Foel Cwmcerwyn, the highest point in the Preseli Hills, Dinas Mountain and Skomer Island.”

The local member Councillor Bob Kilmister said: “I do not oppose wind turbines willy nilly but this application sits on a 200 metre contour and the turbines will be seen from very large distances.

“If they were to be located further down the hill they would have my support.”