PLANS for two wind turbines within the Gwent Levels were granted permission on Tuesday by Monmouthshire councillors, despite the recommendation for refusal by the planning officers.

The 100 metre free standing wind turbines which generate up to 3MW were proposed to be placed at Great House Farm on the Gwent Levels between Rogiet and Undy.

The site consists of 28 hectares and is located within a Coastal Protection Zone and an Area of Special Archaeological Sensitivity.

The site is also within the Gwent Levels which is a landscape of outstanding historic interest and is within 1km of Llanfihangel Rogiet Conservation Area.

The turbines would all rotate in the same direction with speeds between six and 22.3 revolutions per minute with access to the site via Station Road in Rogiet.

The ancillary works would include electrical substation kiosks which will be located at the base of each tower with 2.5km of underground cabling to the Caldicot pumping station.

Councillor Phil Hobson, speaking on behalf of Cllr Linda Guppy, member for Rogiet, said: “There have been no objections locally. Wind turbines help Monmouthshire residents.

“There will be little noise, little electrical magnetic pollution and no carbon emissions. ”

Planning officers had recommended the proposals be refused due to adverse impacts on the character of the existing landscape, particularly the Gwent Levels.