Britain's biggest windfarm inquiry in Powys ends

Powys council has amassed £2.8m pounds from its reserves to fund the wind farm hearing

Britain's biggest ever public inquiry into wind farms comes to an end today after a planning inspector completes his closing statement.

A hotel in Welshpool has hosted the arguments for and against wind energy since 4 June last year.

An alliance of about 20 organisations oppose plans by six energy developers for northern Powys.

The council has earmarked £2.8m to fund the inquiry which has been overseen by planning inspector Andrew Poulter.

Developments are proposed at Llaithddu, Llandinam, Llanbrynmair, Llanbadarn Fynydd and Carnedd Wen, as well as a power lines running from Llandinam to Welshpool.

The proposed wind farm developments are large scale and well above the 50 megawatt jurisdiction of the Welsh government.

These plans are dealt by the UK government's Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).

In London, as in Cardiff, they are part of the target to achieve 15% of British energy from renewable sources by 2020.

The public inquiry was convened because Powys council refused to support their construction.

After completing his report Mr Poulter will make a recommendation to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change to support or reject the applications.

The final decision, which is expected later this year, rests with the Minister, Ed Davey.