THE window for objections to a controversial wind farm on the Herefordshire border closed last week – with one of Britain’s conservation heavyweights weighing in on the debate.

The Open Spaces Society, the oldest national conservation body in the country, has aired its fears over the “devastating effect” the Reeves Hill project could have on the area, near Presteigne.

The society’s general secretary, Kate Ashbrook, said: “It is countryside of outstanding beauty, with breathtaking views, enjoyed by walkers, riders and cyclists who come here for quiet enjoyment.

“The proposed works will devastate and urbanise this landscape.”

While planning permission for four 100m-high turbines was initially granted by Herefordshire Council, a new access road to the building site would need to be created on the Powys side of the border.

And the Welsh council took the decision to order its own Environmental Impact Assessment before granting permission for the road.

The proposed access Road is from the A4113, and would involve 600 metres of new road as well as widening the existing lane so large construction vehicles could use the route.

Ms Ashbrook said: “This is an area for quiet enjoyment. The noise and activity which will be generated by these access works will be a severe intrusion in this tranquil countryside.”

Powys County Council will now have to weigh the objections and environmental impact of the work against their planning regulations, and decide whether to give Bolderstone Innovative Energy Ltd permission to move forward with the Reeves Hill project.