A controversial planning permission application for a windfarm in an environmentally sensitive valley in north Wales are due to be considered by councillors.

Plans for three giant, 300ft-tall wind turbines at Cefn Coed - which could provide power for 2,000 homes - have been opposed by Wrexham County Borough Council.

Local campaigners say the site, near Glyn Ceiriog, is an area of outstanding natural beauty, as councillors prepare for a 1830 BST vote.

Residents claim the plans would have a devastating affect on the local community and spoil views overlooking Llangollen and Chirk.

Brian Wilson: UK Energy Minister

Rural areas are coming under increasing pressure to provide sites for renewable energy projects, following UK Energy Minister Brian Wilson's targets of 10% from alternative sources.

Applicants Gareth Everett Roberts and Gaenor Roslyn Roberts face opposition from the local community council and from residents.

There have been warnings from protesters that approval for the scheme would lead to a "flood" of similar applications in picturesque areas.

The bid for three turbines follows a previous application for 16, which was withdrawn.

If the north east Wales development does go ahead, it will be the first of its kind in the region.

'Tower above'

Chris Futcher, secretary of the Ceiriog Valley Action Group (CVAG), said residents hoped the advice of planning officials would be followed on Monday.

Objectors to the wind farm fear the turbines - proposed to be located on a hillside 420 metres above the local communities - will tower above them.

The proposal is being backed by National Wind Power. There have been 1,402 letters of objection to the proposal and 12 in support.

If the wind turbines are built, 2,400 homes will be provided with electricity fed in from the local distribution plant.

The UK Government is keen to introduce the use of wind turbines and other alternative sources of energy.

By 2010, ministers hope to have at least 10% of its electricity produced through renewable sources.