Landmark ruling gives turbines the go-ahead

AN Assembly planning inspector has upheld an appeal by wind farm campaigners in a ruling likely to reverberate among local authorities.

Richard Poppleton gave approval for two 100-metre wind turbines at Mynydd y Gwrhyd, north of Pontardawe, citing legislation that commits the UK to scaling up renewable energy schemes.

His ruling ends a decade-long wrangle that had already been the subject of a previous appeal.

And its implications could well raise eyebrows at Swansea's Civic Centre, where planners are examining a highly controversial wind farm proposal for Mynydd y Gwair, north of the city.

Mr Poppleton said: "Given the targets now set out for 2020 and beyond, it is clear there will be an increasing demand for energy from renewable sources and existing moves in this direction have been slow to materialise.

"Hence I consider the need for such energy projects should be afforded significant weight."