Villagers oppose turbine proposal

Several people living in Thorner, near Wetherby, have written to Leeds Council to object to plans for a 45ft-high turbine on high ground off Station Lane.

Thorner Parish Council members have also objected, saying the turbine’s Green Belt location is unsuitable.

Villager Colin Prentice said in a letter to the planning department that a turbine would spoil the special landscape of the village.

And objector David Lindley said he was against the plans, though he accepted this could lead to a charge of being a “NIMBY” (Not in My Back Yard).

He added: “We would be very concerned if this application were to open the floodgate for many more turbines on the raised land at the edge if the village.”

Businessman Paul Walker, who lives close to the site, said: “The original plan was to build a turbine only 50 metres (yards) from neighbouring houses.

“We raised concerns about possible noise and shadow flicker effects from the moving turbine blades, and so a revised site has now been proposed.

“However, the new site is in a very visible position that will be seen from many parts of the village and will spoil many of the views looking across and out from Thorner.”

Parish councillors have lodged a formal objection that the site is in a Special Landscape area.

Many fear that allowing the development could lead to more wind turbines springing up.

One resident said: “What will Thorner look like in 10 years when we are surrounded by ugly, intrusive and noisy turbines?”

Parish council clerk Steve Wood, in a letter to the council, described the proposed turbine as “unsightly and out of character” in its Green Belt setting.

Leeds councillors are expected to discuss the plans on April 14.