PROTESTERS opposed to plans to build four wind turbines on a Gwent mountain have praised council planners who say they want to refuse the proposals.

The planned 328-foot-high wind turbines on Mynydd James mountain between Cwmtillery and Blaina has been the subject fierce opposition from local residents.

Around 50 members of the SCAM (Save Coity and Mynydd James) Action Group attended Friday night’s special planning committee meeting of Blaenau Gwent council at Brynmawr Community Centre where the plans were unanimously rejected.

Before voting against the Pendragon Fach development, councillor, David Wilkshire, said: “I am totally opposed to these monstrosities on the mountain.”

The recommendation of council officers had been to approve the proposals in principle and refer to the Assembly for the final decision.

Instead the planning committee decided it was minded to refuse the plans and officers will now construct a report on the full reasons for refusal, which will be confirmed by the council in January.

The chairman of SCAM, Jeff Price, said: “We are delighted at this decision and it feels like we have won a major battle.

“This is just reward for the way all of us have come together to oppose these plans, which would have been terrible for our area.

“However, if the developers decide to appeal against this decision we will be ready to fight again until we stop this for good.”

Following the meeting the turbines’ developers, Eco2, confirmed they were considering appealing the decision.

David Williams, Chief Executive of Eco2, said: “It is hugely disappointing that our project at Pendragon Fach has been refused.

It would have been a significant contributor to both local and national renewable energy targets, saving over 400,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions over its lifetime, and contributing over 40 per cent towards Blaenau Gwent’s local renewable energy targets.

“It would have proved an important boost for the local economy, providing £2million in local construction contracts and £500,000 for community trust funds over its lifetime.”

He added: “We would like to thank the significant number of people in the community who have shown their support of the project, and urge them to continue being vocal in their support of clean electricity and its important role in helping combat climate change.”