Planning chiefs are recommending proposals by Kelda Water Services to build four 125m turbines on moorland at Gorpley, Todmorden, be refused when Calderdale Council’s planning committee considers the application on Tuesday (not before 6pm).
The council turned down plans for five turbines last year and the recommendation remains the same although the applicants claim the application, which it says will help it cut bills and contibute to producing green energy, is not as obtrusive. Campaigners against the turbines say the loss of one turbine makes no appreciable difference to addressing their concerns, especially as there were already giant turbines over adjacent moorland resulting from successful Coronation Power applications.
Campaigner Mr Steve Bottomley said: “There is no significant change in what they are proposing. It is an overintensification of use and will desecrate the area and the upper Calder Valley. Look across to Coal Clough at Cliviger and see what it would look like,” he said. “And with Reap’s Moss starting, it quickly becomes clear how they dominate the area.”
Calderdale officers conclude the proposal - also opposed by Todmorden, Hebden Royd and Blackshaw Councils, as well as Calder Valley MP Craig Whittaker - is not acceptable because the development is not in accordance with its policies on developmkent of renewable energy sources, wind power developments, appropriate development for the area around Todmorden, development within a special landscape area, general design criteria and privacy, daylight and amenity space policies.