A DECISION has been made to defer a planning application to erect a 330kW wind turbine near Boncath.

The applicant, Windberry Energy Operations, wants to site a 54 metre structure on agricultural land approximately 600 metres to the north east of Maesyderi.

The plan s came before the county council’s planning committee on January 7, and councillors decided to carry out a site visit on January 29, ahead of the last meeting on February 4.

Planning officers have recommended that the application be refused for a number of reasons.

The report states: “The information submitted with the application is inadequate to demonstrate that the proposed wind turbine would not, either individually or cumulatively with other wind turbine development in the locality, have a significant adverse impact on the visual amenity and character of the area or the setting of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.”

There are also concerns about the lack of information with regard to historic resources on and near the proposed site.

Addressing the committee on behalf of the applicant was Carys Vaughan of Hayston Development and Planning Limited.

She said: “Only a few years ago this committee granted planning permission to a bigger turbine which is closer to the National Park.

“This is a time to support a family farm.”

Councillor Rod Bowen said: “I think the site visit clarified a number of issues, and I’ve had nobody lobbying me on this particular issue.”

He added that he was minded to support the application, despite a warning that it would set a dangerous precedent.

After much discussion, the Director of Development, Dr Steven Jones said: “When we’re faced with this situation, I suggest we defer this item until all the issues are satisfied.”

Councillors voted in favour.