PLANS to build a wind farm on a mountain in Gwent will be fiercely contested, local councillors have pledged.

This morning Torfaen council was due to consider a proposal to construct a 30 metre tall mast just 700 metres outside its county boundary.

The proposal to site the mast and associated equipment at Mynydd James between Blaina and Blaenavon is being made by Pennant Wind Ltd.

The Gloucestershire-based company wants to site the mast on the mountain, which is adjacent to a Special Landscape Area and within 2.5km of the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape, World Heritage site, for 12 months to establish whether the site is suitable for a wind farm.

The site lies within the Blaenau Gwent council area and the council's planning committee is due to consider the mast proposal on June 19.

But local councillors in both authorities say people will not want a wind farm on their doorstep.

Torfaen councillor Brian Whitcombe said: "One mast would do no harm to collect wind details but if they put one there and they find it's possible to get enough power from one they will go for more.

"I'm completely against any wind turbines being put on the mountain. I think local people will be against it as well."

Blaenau Gwent councillor Ainsley Morgan is equally opposed to any wind farm - and the single mast.

He said: "The Western valley has been subject over the last 150 years to exploitation for commercial interests from coal to steel. The tips are clean now, and it is a pleasant place again.

"When it comes before the council I will fight it all the way. I'm opposed to having just the one mast because it's the forerunner to a larger plan for more."

Blaenavon town council chairman Robert Evans also said he would be against any plans for a wind farm, especially as it would be near the world heritage site.

He said: "It will affect us wherever the developer puts it.

"I don't think the company should be allowed to do it, though, because of the world heritage situation."