Public pressure and town council opposition has defeated plans for a 45-metre-high turbine high on the moors at Denholme.

The owners of Denholme Business Centre in Halifax Road have officially withdrawn the proposal and openly apologised for any distress the scheme caused to local folk.

The site already has approval for a 1,000-panel solar farm, but town councillors felt this high-profile attempt to make the site 100 per cent “green” was a step too far.

And Airedale anti-windfarm activists also campaigned strongly against the idea as it was for an unspoilt area of moorland.

On Tuesday night one of the Business Centre’s owners, Simi Sekhon, attended Denholme Town Council and issued a full apology for the turbine proposal, which has now been cancelled.

Speaking before the meeting he explained how the U-turn was out of respect for popular opinion and due to an initial misunderstanding of the town council’s stance.

“Following more discussions with the town council and mayor Steve Nunn we have decided to withdraw the application,” he said.

“We have absolute respect for the council and people of Denholme and if it would damage the views where they live so significantly, then we have to respect that too.

“Our way of doing business is we don’t put profit before people. This process has cost us £15,000 in terms of getting reports and surveys, but we still feel it’s more important to respect local opinion.

“And we would sincerely apologise for any stress or upset the proposal may have caused people.”

Coun Nunn said he was most impressed by Mr Sekhon’s attitude.

“It takes some strength to accept they have upset people and then to come and listen to those people and the town council,” Coun Nunn said.

“We can only solve issues by talking – it’s no good hiding behind letters and documents.

“The council is keen for Denholme Business Centre to fly and we will continue to support anything that gives local employment.”

Coun Nunn added this was the third wind turbine scheme which the council had successfully opposed.

“They have either been refused by planners or withdrawn.

“People are now realising that thanks to new localism, their voices do carry more weight,” he said.