Supporters of a �30m wind farm proposed for north Wales have joined forces to condemn the decision by the National Assembly to call in the application.

They said the application for 26 wind turbines at Pentrefoelas, Denbigh Moors, had received backing from five local community councils, the NFU Wales, the Farmers Union of Wales and a variety of other organisations and businesses.

The application was called in by the Assembly environment secretary Sue Essex just hours before it was due to go before Conwy Council's planning committee on 21 July, where it was recommended for approval.

The number and size of the proposed wind turbines had been cut after the original plan was thrown out by Conwy councillors.

'Massive benefits'

National Wind Power cut the number of turbines from 28 to 26 and reduced the overall height of 92 metres by ten metres.

Planning officials were concerned that the visual impact of the turbines could have an adverse effect on the local landscape, Snowdonia National Park and the tourism industry.

West Coast Energy development manager Robert Tate said his company - which is behind the scheme - was critical of the decision to call in the plans.

Mr Tate said he thought the ruling was yet another example of the Assembly "bowing to pressure" from the Countryside Council for Wales to intervene on a major project.

Mr Tate said the scheme could bring "massive benefits" and investment to the local economy and calling the plans in was against the wishes of the vast majority of the local community.