PLANNING chiefs from two Gwent councils will make a site visit with a difference this week.

Members and officers from Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen are to view the site for a proposed windfarm between Blaina and Blaenavon by helicopter - weather permitting.

Pendragon Wind Energy Ventures, which has made the application to erect 24 wind turbines, has arranged to take local authority representatives to view the Mynydd James and Coity Mountain site by air, so they can see the exact location.

The aim is to help them familiarise themselves with the land and its surroundings which, given the mountain-top location, would prove difficult to achieve otherwise.

The take-off and landing area is the car park at the back of the Apostolic Church in Ebbw Vale, which will be closed for the day.

As the helicopter can only take two passengers at a time, there are likely to be several of take-offs and landings, on either tomorrow, Wednesday or Thursday, providing the weather is suitable.

Pendragon, which says the 24 turbines would generate sufficient renewable energy to heat 20,000 homes in the area, held exhibitions in Abertillery, Blaina, Brynmawr and Blaenavon earlier this month, to show the public the plans for the windfarm.

The company has said it will deliver up to £4 million for community benefits, as well as donating a large tract of land to the World Heritage Site at Blaenavon.

Blaenau Gwent council is currently awaiting an independent assessment of the environmental impact of the scheme before considering the proposal.

Many residents, however, have expressed concerns, predicting that windfarms will become "eyesores".