**Fresh Plans Emerge for Towering Wind Turbine Near Key Tenby Route**
Early-stage proposals to construct a near 250-foot (76-metre) wind turbine adjacent to one of the principal roads leading into Tenby have surfaced, just months after a previous application for a similar structure was turned down. The site in question, Summerton Farm near Sageston, lies in an area well-travelled by both residents and visitors heading towards the popular coastal town.
The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has confirmed that it is currently monitoring this latest proposal, although a formal planning application for the 76-metre turbine has yet to be officially registered or made available to the public. The suggested site sits on farmland north of Summerton Farm, close to the B4318 – a crucial route connecting Sageston with Tenby.
Earlier in the year, a planning application from Tim French of CWE DS Limited was presented to the Pembrokeshire County Council’s monthly committee. The bid aimed to replace an existing turbine, measuring 60.5 metres in height, with a significantly taller structure reaching up to 90 metres (just under 300 feet). This previous attempt was ultimately refused, with local planning officers particularly critical of the proposal’s visual impact on the surrounding landscape.
In their assessment, council officials were clear in their reasoning. The landscape officer’s report highlighted concerns surrounding the scale and height of the proposed turbine, suggesting it would cause unacceptable harm to the “visual amenity” enjoyed by local residents and visitors. The complaint further noted that the scheme did not align with supplementary planning guidance specific to the area, advising refusal on these grounds.
Interestingly, the agent working on behalf of the developers, Neo Environmental Ltd, offered a defence to the proposed upgrade. They emphasised that even without increasing the rated output capacity relative to the current turbine, the newer technology would provide considerably improved performance. The representative explained this would be achieved by taking advantage of stronger wind conditions at higher elevations, greater efficiency in converting wind to electricity, and a larger area for capturing wind energy due to longer blades.
However, officials remained unconvinced. The landscape officer disputed the developer’s claim that the significant increase in turbine size would result in only a “slight” impact on the rural landscape. Instead, the officer stressed that the “very large turbine” would likely dominate views in what is otherwise an open countryside setting, potentially disrupting the character of the locality.
At present, no detailed plans have been submitted for the newly proposed 76-metre turbine, leaving the situation in a state of anticipation. The proposal is being closely watched due to its proximity to the B4318, a busy carriageway serving not only the rural population but also thousands of tourists who travel to Tenby each year.
The renewed efforts to site a larger wind turbine in south Pembrokeshire come amidst a broader national debate regarding the balance between renewable energy ambitions and the preservation of local landscapes. While many residents support cleaner sources of power, proposals for large-scale energy infrastructure remain controversial, particularly in scenic or culturally significant locations.
As with similar projects across Wales, councillors can expect to weigh local environmental priorities, the need for sustainable energy, and the protection of community amenities in any future decision. The coming months may therefore see further public engagement, environmental assessment, and, potentially, a revised planning application that responds to the earlier objections.
For now, both supporters and critics of the turbine proposals are awaiting further details, while the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority continues its oversight. The outcome will likely shape the evolution of renewable energy in this sensitive and much-loved corner of Wales.