MEMBERS of a group opposing the erection of a wind turbine at Caerbryn say they have won the first round of their battle after Llandybie community councillors voted 7-1 against it.

Local businessman Alan Davies, who runs D J Davies Fuels Ltd, argues that the turbine – on land off Pantyblodau Road – will secure 35 jobs as the power generated would slash electricity costs.

And in July he said that, having listened to residents’ concerns, the turbine would now be 16m smaller and situated further away from a public footpath.

But last week councillors voted against the application 7-1, with seven abstentions, on learning that the mast could be placed anywhere within 30m of the proposed site, making it within 284m of the nearest house and possibly as near as 254m.

As members of the Saron, Llandybie and Penygroes action group – SLAP – staged a silent protest outside the council offices, councillors were given an illustrated presentation on the “overbearing”

impact a 60.8m wind turbine would have on the residents of Caerbryn and surrounding villages.

SLAP spokesperson Angela Bowler said protesters were “very pleased” at the outcome of the council vote and were grateful to councillors and their other supporters.

“Since May, we have campaigned tirelessly against this proposal,” she said.

“Although the original application was for a 77m turbine and this has since been amended, local residents are still faced with the potential for a 60.8m turbine sited on a hill 35m, high making it virtually the same size as Big Ben.

“As it would be at a distance to property of just over 250m, a number of people will be effected by noise and the shadow flicker effect.”

The proposal is expected to be considered by county planners next month.