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A new wind farm that could power 5,500 homes would have a “negative” impact, planners at a neighbouring council have concluded. 

The Mynydd Maen wind farm, which would be built to the east of Newbridge and Crumlin, would have 13 turbines with a height to their blade of 149 metres.

The proposed development area covers 376 hectares, of which around 120 is within Torfaen County Borough Council’s area and the remainder within Caerphilly County Borough.

A decision on whether to grant approval for the project will have to be decided by the Welsh Government, but a local impact report by Torfaen Council deemed the project would have a negative impact on the landscape and appearance of the area.

The report, which will be submitted to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), was presented to Torfaen Council’s planning committee at its May meeting. 

Among concerns raised by councillors there was the potential impact on birds of prey, and it was acknowledged the turbines could kill around two every day. 

Most of the site is within the area that has been pre-assessed by the Welsh Government, where there is a presumption in favour of wind generation. 

Torfaen councillor Mark Jones described the pylons as “monstrous things” and raised concern over their impact on the natural beauty of the area. He said he also didn’t understand how the area was proposed when Welsh policy states large scale wind farms won’t be permitted in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Planning officer Justin Jones explained an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a “particular designation in law” which he said the area hasn’t been designated. He acknowledged the landscape has “unique features” but has also been assessed as being acceptable for wind farm developments. 

Mr Jones also said details of nesting sites for red kites and peregrine falcons couldn’t be publicly disclosed, but applicants Renewable Energy Systems has proposed mitigations.

The firm also wants permission to move the planned location of the turbines 50 metres in any direction, which Mr Jones said would have to be considered against its proposals to protect birds of prey. 

Reform councillor Alan Slade said: “I’ve read these turbines can kill up to two raptors everyday. Will there by any assessment of fatalities after these turbines have gone up?” 

Mr Jones said he understood the “anticipated kill rate” isn’t a dissimilar figure to the one Cllr Slade had mentioned, but said there would be mitigations – including that a turbine could be switched off. 

A condition requiring a turbine be switched off will also be suggested as part of measures to control noise if it is found to have an unacceptable impact.