Protesters' joy as wind turbine bid is rejected.
All but one of the councillors present supported their officers' recommendation to object to the scheme — and then added further reasons.
However, developer RWE npower renewables lodged an appeal prior to yesterday's meeting because the authority took so long to "determine" the application, meaning it will be decided by an Assembly-inspector following an inquiry in July.
Councillors lined up to voice their opposition to the 19-scheme north of Felindre on traffic, disruption, visual impact and intermittent power-generating grounds, among others.
They were told the wind farm would take 22 months to construct, require 88,000 tonnes of stone for nearly 14km of service roads, with 172 "abnormal" lorry loads needed to transport the 127m turbines to the site. The turbines would generate electricity for 28,100 average households, and have a 25-year life-span. Councillor Wendy Fitzgerald said her Penllergaer ward would suffer huge disturbance due to extra construction and installation traffic.
She said: "Mynydd y Gwair would be turned into a mass of concrete. I do think we should beef up our objections."
Councillor John Miles felt the wind farm's location was "totally unacceptable", its cost "totally illogical", and its greenhouse gas emission savings negligible.
Earlier, Glyn Morgan, chairman of campaign group SOCME (Save Our Common Mountain Environment), said Mynydd y Gwair had important grazing value as well as being a place of quiet contemplation.
"This beautiful, virgin landscape will be turned into a building site," he said. "Is it really worth it? It is worth it for the developer and the landowner. Wind farms are heavily subsidised."
Councillor Paxton Hood-said there was a strong case for renewable energy, but felt there was argument among the scientific community about climate change.
Councillor Mark Child, the scheme's lone supporter, said he found wind farms quite inspiring, and urged fellow members to send a message about backing renewable schemes.
He added: "There is a bigger picture. Our globe is warming - that is a fact. Carbon dioxide levels are at record levels. Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases cause global warming. I think only scientists on the fringe argue with that."
Councillors objected on the grounds the turbines were 27m higher than guidelines for the area, their visual and landscape impact was unacceptable, and the proposed route for construction traffic was inadequately justified.
Water supply, ecological, agricultural and recreation concerns were also noted.
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