AN applicant wants to install two wind turbines on 18-metre masts at an Oxenhope Farm.

The proposals for Old Oxenhope Farm, Oxenhope Lane, are due to go before councillors at the Keighley and Shipley Area Planning Panel today. (Nov 27)

Bradford Council has received 11 letters of objection to the plans and seven letters of support.

One of the objectors includes the Bronte Society, which has argued: "In an empty landscape even small turbines have a dominating effect, tending to change perceptions of scale, and the movement of the blades draws the eye, making them impossible to ignore."

Supporters of the turbines say the development is vital to the farm business. They say that Government policy is to reduce carbon emissions from the dairy industry.

One of the supporters writes: "Any reference to the windmills being unsightly is purely a personal opinion. For my part I find them very graceful.

"It has been made clear that they would be part of the agricultural business and are required in order to reduce costs. This will help the farm to remain competitive.

"The farm provides employment for local people and should be supported. References to the [turbines'] impact on tourism are not backed up by any hard statistics."

Worth Valley ward councillor Rebecca Poulsen said: "It's a difficult application. I'm sympathetic to the farm because in order to win contracts they have to prove their green credentials.

"It's quite a competitive process and they have to show that a certain percentage of their power comes from renewable sources.

"They have made the proposed turbines smaller than they were in previous applications.

"However, this is sensitive because of the location, the views of the landscape, and the links to the Brontes.

"I referred this to the planning panel because I felt it wouldn't be fair to just leave it to a planning officer's decision. I wanted it to be heard in public where all parties can make their views known."