 There were worries that a wind turbine would spoil views |
Plans for a massive wind turbine in Swansea Bay have been turned down after concerns were raised over its impact on the area. The application for the single 180 m (595 ft) turbine was rejected by councillors in Swansea on Tuesday.
Planning officials said the structure, which was to be built in Baglan near the sea, would represent a significantly new man-made and alien feature in the bay.
The turbine would also be about 50 m (164 ft) taller than the proposed offshore wind turbines at Scarweather Sands off Porthcawl, which have been criticised by local campaigners.
'Unacceptable'
Planners said the structure would tower above the existing cooling towers at the adjacent BP chemical works.
The application was submitted to Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council.
The applicants, L Phillips, said the project would generate up to 4,000 kilowatts of power.
That is roughly equivalent to eight turbines on existing wind farms in mid Wales.
However, Swansea's planning committee agreed with a recommendation by officers that the benefits of sustainable energy would be outweighed by the turbine's unacceptable visual impact on Swansea Bay and the gateway into the city from the M4.
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