A GOVERNMENT minister admitted he didn't realise turbines planned for a massive windfarm off the North Wales coast would stand higher than Blackpool Tower. The decision on npower renewables' proposals for 200-plus turbines in the Gwynt Y Môr offshore project will be taken by the Department of Trade and Industry in London. The massive turbines reach 540ft to the uppermost blades' tips - Blackpool Tower's flagpole is 518ft 9ins. Yesterday npower insisted the turbines' impact would be less as they will be nine miles out to sea, compared to the town-centre tower. DTI parliamentary under secretary of state Lord Sains-bury of Turville was grilled on the controversial plans - which have already whipped up a storm of protest - in the House of Lords by two North Wales peers. His boss, Westminster's trade and industry secretary Alan Johnson, will make the final decision. Former Methodist minister Lord Roberts of Llandudno asked him: "Is the minister aware the proposal for Llandudno Bay is for 236 wind turbines, each higher than the Blackpool Tower?" Lord Sainsbury said: "I did not realise that. But to have any significance, there needs to be a considerable number of wind turbines, which is what we are looking at." Yesterday Lib Dem Lord Roberts said he feared the minister's reply could mean the government may not take an independent view. He said: "The government are in danger of compromising their independent status when it comes to determining any planning application. "We shall be alert to any future developments." Also joining the Lords debate was ex-Conwy Tory MP Sir Wyn Roberts. Now Lord Roberts of Conwy, he said: "It involves a positive infestation of wind farms which will threaten the tourism industry along the North Wales coast and is causing a great deal of local concern." Lord Sainsbury said the trade and industry secretary would assess safety, the environment and commerce in making his decision. Yesterday an npower renewables spokeswoman said: "We expect the turbines to be 165 metres to the tip of the blade - about 540ft. But they will be nine miles off the coast whereas Blackpool Tower is in the town." Environmental campaigners back a separate, tidal scheme off the coast of Kinmel Bay and Rhyl. . Lord Roberts of Llandudno welcomes comments about Gwynt Y Môr to him at 136 Millbank House, House of Lords, Westminster, London, SW1A OPW. * THE number of wind turbines planned off the North Wales coast should be kept as low as possible, says a county council. More than 230 wind turbines could be built off Penrhyn Bay, but neighbouring county Denbighshire will tomorrow express concerns over the visual impact of the plans. | 
