A public inquiry into a wind farm planning application is due to begin in Llandrindod Wells this morning.

The application for seven wind turbines to be built at Llandegley Rhos, beside the Llandegley Rocks, was turned down by Powys planning committee last year, with an 11 to one against vote.

But developers Hendy Wind Farm Ltd have appealed the decision with the planning inspectorate, and a five-day public inquiry will now determine the outcome of the application.

The company said its proposal to build the turbines, which it says would provide energy to power about 10,000 homes, had the support of land owners.

A spokesman for Hendy Wind Farm Ltd said during the original planning application last year: "The proposal is of course put forward with support of all the relevant land owners, and we are comfortable that we have all the rights required for the planning application."

Ahead of the proceedings, campaigning group the Open Spaces Society(OSS) renewed their calls for the scheme to be shelved in a statement released last week.

Four of the turbines would have been built on a protected public right of way, they say.

The society's general secretary, Kate Ashbrook said: "From the slopes and summit of Llandegley Rocks the view is breathtaking, with a glorious sweep which takes in the hills and mountains of Wales, including the Brecon Beacons to the south. This view would be utterly destroyed by the siting of wind turbines here, and a massive area of great natural beauty and cultural significance would be irreparably damaged."

"We have urged the inspector to reject the appeal and ensure this beautiful, much-loved landscape can remain unspoilt."

The public inquiry into the proposals begins at 10am today, Tuesday, March 13 at The Mid Wales Pavillion, Llandrindod Wells.