October 11, 2011
England

Leeds’ first wind farm plans subject of public inquiry

BBC News, www.bbc.co.uk 11 October 2011

Long-running proposals to build Leeds’ first wind farm are to be the subject of a public inquiry.

If they get the go-ahead, the five-turbine wind farm would be situated on agricultural land near Garforth, close to the junction of the M1 and A1.

Developers Banks Renewables said the site could produce enough energy to power about 8,000 homes.

But Michael Rains, chairman of the Hook Moor Wind Farm Action Group, called the proposed turbines “monstrous”.

The inquiry is expected to last up to four days.

Mr Rains said the three main objections to the wind farm were the location, size and potential noise nuisance from the structures.

Construction process

The turbines would measure 125m (410ft) to the tip of the blades.

The developers said that, if approved, the Hook Moor wind farm at Micklefield could create about 30 jobs during the construction process.

Phil Dyke, development director at Banks Renewables, said the investment into the project would provide a “real boost” for local shops and businesses.

Proposals for the wind farm were rejected by Leeds City Council in 2009 after an objection from the Ministry of Defence.

An appeal was submitted, but this was rejected by a government inspector at the end of 2010.

The inquiry is the last chance for the plans to be approved.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/10/11/leeds-first-wind-farm-plans-subject-of-public-inquiry/