THE man behind controversial plans to build a wind turbine in Penygroes has been accused of “misleading” the community.

Alan Davies, of D J Fuels Ltd, claims he has listened to residents’ concerns by lowering the height of the planned structure on the former Gilfach opencast site near Maesglas Road.

What was to have been the largest single turbine in the county will now be 44m high – a net reduction of 16m.

But unimpressed members of the Saron, Llandybie and Penygroes action group have written to Eifion Bowen, Carmarthenshire county council’s head of planning, claiming that Mr Davies used out-of-date information regarding windfarms during his recent presentation at a Llandybie community council meeting.

“It is inappropriate to state that 35 jobs could be lost…We also believe it is blatantly untrue and inappropriate that the applicant has stated that his clients are putting pressure on his company to reduce their carbon footprint,” the letter continues.

Announcing his revised plans, Mr Davies said the turbine would operate at 330kw as opposed to 500kw.

“I’m amending my application to accommodate a much smaller turbine,” he told councillors.

“I’ve listened to what people have been saying – after all, I live in the community as well.”

He also dismissed claims that the scheme – which if approved would result in an annual £5,000 community donation – would lead to property devaluation, the closure of footpaths and unacceptable noise levels.

However, protester Sian Protheroe said the shortage of time residents had been given to lodge their objections “beggared belief” and she questioned the need for a turbine.

Fellow objector Mike Oldbury also expressed concern over noise and shadow flicker and claimed woodland screening would be inadequate.

Both will again be allowed to give their views on Mr Davies’s revised plans when the council makes a decision on the turbine in September.