Proposals have been unveiled to more than double the size of the windfarm above Pendine. The plan - by windfarm owner and operator Nuon Renewables - comes as claims are made that a new report on wind power 'presents a new threat to the Welsh countryside'.

However, the company says that its plans to extend the existing windfarm at Parc Cynog would be helping Wales and the UK towards its clean energy targets. A detailed proposal to the planning authority, Carmarthenshire County Council, is expected to follow on from a public consultation exercise focused on a 'drop in' exhibition at Llanmiloe Community Centre on Friday and Saturday.

Residents in the area were invited to view the concept and outline scheme before making comments.

Nuon Renewables hopes to add up to six more turbines to the five installed in 2001, which would triple the output of the windfarm and meet the annual electricity needs of over 6,000 households. Research has shown that by bringing the two neighbouring farms into the Parc Cynog scheme, more of the wind can be used.

Project leader Ross Cant said: "The existing windfarm has performed well - not just in terms of output, but also as an example of how rural communities and economies can successfully co-exist with modern windmills."

The Sustainable Development Commission's report on wind power maintains that 10% of the UK's electricity could be provided by renewable energy in five years' time.

But the Welsh Assembly's Conservative leader, Nick Bourne AM, says that the report is a threat to the countryside. It will be met with 'anger and dismay' by people 'who have experience of having their communities blighted by these monstrous developments', he said.