PLANS to erect a 34 metre wind turbine on the outskirts of Haverfordwest will go before a planning committee in the New Year.

The application, which seeks permission to erect the 50kw turbine on private land at Stember Farm, Portfield Gate has been recommended for refusal by the council’s planning officers.

The grounds in the director of development’s report states the information submitted with the application is inadequate, in terms of the assessment of the landscape and visual impact of the proposal, to demonstrate that the development would not have a significantly adverse impact on the character and appearance of the area.

There were also concerns on what impact the wind turbine would have on protected species, their habitats and the historic environment.

Members of the planning committee will have to balance their decision against Planning Policy Wales (Edition 5) which states that decisions should “support the need to tackle the causes of climate change by moving towards a low carbon economy. This includes facilitating developments that reduces emissions of greenhouse gases in a sustainable manner.”

They must also ensure that “development does not produce irreversible harmful effects on the natural environment.”

Objections to the application have been received from Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, while the council ecologist has requested additional information. A response from the Havens Community Council was not received at the time of the report’s publication.