Councillors advised to reject 65ft wind turbine

Members of Barnsley Council's planning board have been advised to refuse permission for the 20-metre (65ft) high turbine that would provide power for Windy Bank Hall in Green Moor village, which lies between Stocksbridge and Thurgoland.

Three members of the public have objected to the plans, and opposition has also come from Hunshelf Parish Council. Objectors claim that the size of the turbine is excessive, it is not in keeping with the rural surroundings and potential shadow flicker could be "highly dangerous" for batsmen playing cricket at nearby Green Moor sports club.

Five letters of support for the application have also been received, from people living in both nearby villages and as far away as Barnsley town centre. They claim that the turbine would be in a good location as it is one of the windiest places in Barnsley and it would help reduce carbon emissions.

However, planning officers said that the application should be refused as the environmental benefits do not outweigh the detrimental impact the turbine would have on the rural landscape.

In the report set to go before next week's committee meeting, which takes place on Tuesday, the council's assistant director of planning and transportation, Stephen Moralee, said: "Whilst I consider there are very special circumstances in this case associated with the modest generation of renewable energy, I also consider there to be harm to the openness and visual amenities of the green belt.

"Accordingly, I do not consider that the harm is clearly outweighed by very special circumstances and I am of the opinion that planning permission should be refused.

"The proposed turbine is located in a prominent and exposed location which would appear as an incongruous and visually intrusive feature."