PLANS for a bitterly opposed windfarm in Blaenau Gwent were withdrawn by the developers - but they still intend to submit another proposal, on a smaller scale, for the same site.

Wind Energy Ventures first put in an application to Blaenau Gwent council for a 24-turbine windfarm - on Mynydd James and Coity above Cwmtillery, Blaenavon and Blaina - more than two years ago.

They said it would generate enough renewable energy for 20,000 homes. But the plans prompted huge protest from local people across the area, who were worried the turbines would be an eyesore.

A spokeswoman for Blaenau Gwent council said yesterday: "The developers acknowledged their proposal for a windfarm on Coity Mountain/Mynydd James would not fit in with the new policy on renewable energy recently published by the Assembly.

"The developers have indicated that it is their intention to re-design the scheme."

A spokeswoman for Pennant confirmed yesterday the company was committed to making a new planning submission at the "excellent site". "The requirement to redesign to a smaller scale now affords us the chance to work with all consultees again to address remaining issues - and find the best way forward at the windiest site in south-east Wales," she said.

"Naturally we are disappointed that the 50 permanent jobs that would have been created in Blaenau Gwent upon commissioning of the project, and up to £4 million in community benefit, will be delayed at the very minimum."

Cwmtillery councillor Mark Holland said: "I am saddened that they are going to pursue this.

"This is an excellent site for the people of Blaenau Gwent, too, and we want to keep it for our enjoyment.

"As far as we are concerned the fight will go on. We are against this at this location."

Cwmtillery resident Brian Paget added: "We are still against these turbines altogether.

"We have just got the countryside back to how it was before the Industrial Revolution."

He added that because there had been little wind during the summer months the turbines would have been inactive much of the time.

"And in the winter the storms will be so strong they will have to be turned off," he claimed. "When would they supply the power they are supposed to be supplying?"