PLANS to build a huge windfarm in Gwent should be scrapped, according to a leading councillor.

Cwmtillery's Mark Holland says that people in Blaenau Gwent are "sick of unpopular industrial projects being dumped here".

He also says that the offer of millions in financial sweeteners for the area is "just patronising".

We reported yesterday how the company behind the plans for the £25 million project says that communities could benefit by up to £8 million.

It had originally said £4 million would be given to community groups as a "sweetener", but now says that figure could be doubled by match funding.

Pennant Wind Energy Ventures has submitted an application for 20 to 30 turbines, up to 100 metres high, on the mountains between Brynmawr and Blaenavon, which would power 25,000 homes in Blaenau Gwent.

Councillor Holland told the Argus: "We had a constituency meeting about the proposals and the overwhelming majority were against it.

"The visual impact will be huge and we are concerned about the noise levels and a drop in property values."

Six Bells resident Lyn Harber agrees and says that windfarms are eyesores.

Pest controller Mr Harber, 53, said: ""In this part of the country we've just got rid of the coal tips and the old industrial stuff and they want to build new eyesores."

Assembly Member Peter Law says that local people should be fully consulted before the plan progresses.

But some residents think the proposal could benefit the area. Six Bells former firefighter Lynn Watkins, 73, said: "It will bring in money and generate clean electricity. Some of the areas earmarked are used by fly tippers, they will actually clear up the countryside."

Dale Hart, managing director of Pennant Wind Energy Ventures, said: "Test results have shown that noise shouldn't be an issue for 99.9% of local residents.

"It will undoubtedly have some visual impact although we think this site offers an almost unique opportunity in industrial South Wales to minimise it. We believe the visual impact is no more than moderate and there is absolutely no evidence to suggest any negative impact on property prices."

"We will hold a public exhibition in the New Year so that people will be able to see for themselves.

"The suggested £4m community benefit is one of the largest such contributions by any windfarm developer in the UK. It is a genuine move to share the benefits with local people."