Villages unite against plan for wind turbine

Residents in Lower Cumberworth, Denby Dale, Shelley and Shepley, near Huddersfield, fear plans for a single turbine on land off Coal Pit Lane, Lower Cumberworth, will spoil views and be a blot on the landscape, much of which is rural.

Critics say the proposed structure will be taller than ‘domestic’ type single turbines already operating in the district.

Members of a newly-created action group, Cumberworth Against Turbines, claim it will be one-and-a-half times higher than other turbines which have gone up in recent months.

A spokeswoman for the group, Louise Taylor, said: “Residents are beginning to unite in their efforts to bring to public attention that the turbine in Cumberworth and those already in many local villages are just the ‘thin edge of the wedge’ as over the coming months new applications throughout Kirklees and adjoining councils will ensure that across our countryside turbines will draw the eye as they dominate the landscape.

“With the increasing deluge of turbines across the whole country swamping our countryside, their detriment to not only the communities in which they are forced upon but to countryside for generations to come needs to be challenged before it is too late.”

A public meeting on the issue is taking place tonight from 7.30pm at the Foresters pub, Lower Cumberworth.

In an application to Kirklees Council, Blackthorne Recycling says the proposed site is next to an active quarry and industrial units. The company concludes that the visual impact will be “moderate”.

The applicant describes the structure as a “small wind turbine” which is suitable for working farms, businesses, rural properties and community projects.

The company says that mature trees will provide the “perfect mask” from some viewpoints. Consultation ends on September 1.