Public urged to speak out over Dales wind turbine plans (From Ilkley Gazette)

Public urged to speak out over Dales wind turbine plans

9:19am Thursday 27th September 2012 in News

Campaigners who are fighting a scheme to build England’s largest onshore wind farm in the Yorkshire Dales are urging people in Wharfedale and Aireborough to see the plans for themselves.

Concerned residents packed out a meeting at Norwood Social Hall last week and are said by campaigners to be “horrified” by the proposals for the edge of Harrogate.

Ripon and Skipton MP Julian Smith was one of those at the meeting and is giving his support to campaigners. This follows opposition to the proposals from Harrogate and Knaresborough MP, Andrew Jones.

Kelda has submitted a planning application for seven 100m turbines, with an application for an additional 17, measuring 125m, to follow in the near future.

Another company, Tapar, is planning to submit an application for four 115m turbines.

Campaigners say the three wind farms would combine as one with the current Knabs Ridge wind farm to make a total of 36 turbines.

Opponents to the schemes say the turbines would be visible for 30 miles and they urged people living in the Ilkley, Otley and Pool areas to make their views known.

Kelda will hold a public consultation at Harrogate Grammar School on Monday, October 1, from 4.30pm to 7pm A spokesman for the campaigners said: “This is not invitation only, it is a public event and an ideal opportunity for residents of Wharfedale to see Kelda’s presentation and ask why they have not been included in previous consultations, and for any other questions and representations they might wish to make.”