Storm of protest in village over turbines bid

Villagers in Grange Moor are objecting to plans to build two 155ft tall turbines on land at Grange Ash Farm, near the Kaye Arms pub on Wakefield Road.

Local MP Simon Reevell said the application did not have the support of people in the village and should be rejected by Kirklees Council.

He said: "I have received dozens of letters and emails from local residents who are totally opposed to this application being approved.

"There is agreement amongst everyone I have spoken to thus far that the application does not have the support of the people of Grange Moor.

"Community consent is absolutely vital in instances like this, and applications need to be considered in the light of their possible impact on the local environment.

"This means allowing communities to be active participants in onshore wind developments, and taking heed of what they say."

The Conservative MP said the majority of residents were unaware of the plans until just a few days before the start of the consultation process.

"This does nothing to convince local residents that their views are being listened to and breeds a lot of cynicism about the value of consultations."

He is opposed to wind turbines being placed near to occupied buildings.

"These turbines will seriously impact on the quality of life for residents in Grange Moor."

Objectors have raised concerns about the proximity noise made by turbines and their size.

Documents sent to the council by applicant Mitie Asset Management Limited say that the development would comprise "just two, tall thin structures within open fields" which would have a limited impact on Green Belt land.

The electricity generated would make a "modest, but valuable" contribution to renewable energy targets, they said.