Controversial plans for three 80-metre-high wind turbines at Chelker Reservoir have been scrapped, it has been revealed.

Kelda Water Services (KWS) had wanted to replace four 45-metre-high turbines with three 80-metre structures to power Yorkshire Water’s nearby Chelker and Lobwood pumping stations.

But after much criticism and opposition to the plans, a spokesman for KWS, a sister company to Bradford-based Yorkshire Water, revealed the planning application has been withdrawn.

However, Mark Fox said KWS was now going to carry out a public consultation with residents in the area, particularly Draughton and Addingham, with a view to submitting new plans later in the year for two 80-metre-high turbines on the site.

Alison Plunkett, a resident of East Berwick House, which is within 400 metres of the site, said: “I’m just so relieved it’s been withdrawn. For a long time I’ve been worried about this, but I’m not jumping for joy just yet.”

Another resident spoke of his scepticism about future plans for the site.

“I’m pleased but watchful,” said Beamsley’s Peter Rigby, Craven chairman of the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

“It was kicked out last time because of a loss of residential amenity.”

Mr Rigby, who is also chairman of protest group Parishioners Against Chelker Turbines, said: “They’ll try again, but we’ll be there. I still think they have no hope of getting it passed.”

Read more in this week's Ilkley Gazette.