RESIDENTS of Sardis and Hill Mountain have 'won the battle but not the war' after a planning application for a 34metre wind turbine was turned down by Pembrokeshire County Council.

Locals turned out to protest when councillors visited the proposed site on land south of Nash Mountain Farm.

An anti-turbine petition amassed more than 200 signatures from local people fearing the development would have an adverse effect on their lives, house prices, wildlife and the environment.

At a planning meeting in February, applicant Julie Ayers’ agent said the turbine was compatible with the council’s Local Development Plan and had received 87 letters of support.

Dave and Viv Hall, who bought their property for its tranquillity and unbroken views to the Preseli Hills, feel a development of such a size should have been put out to public consultation.

The couple are keeping locals informed of the latest news regarding the application by dropping notes through their letterboxes.

“We’re a little concerned about Julie Ayers’ right to appeal the decision,” said Dave.

“I’m also concerned about her 87 letters of support. The fact the application was turned down by six votes to five with three abstentions is not that convincing.

“We have won the battle, but we haven’t won the war,” he added.

“We don’t want people to get too excited. This is just the first skirmish and we’re still on tenterhooks.”