Councillors and residents in Silsden have objected to a plan to build four wind turbines at Haygill Farm on Silsden Moor.

The applicant, Michael Gill, is seeking permission to put up four five-kilowatt wind turbines on 15-metre steel towers and a three-metre concrete foundation.

At a recent planning meeting of Silsden Town Council, most of the councillors objected to the plan on the grounds that the size and number of turbines would make them “incongruous” in the greenbelt setting.

They also opposed the plans because they said the turbines would have a detrimental impact on the scenery and would be visible from most areas of Silsden.

Town council chairman Councillor Michael Elsmore said: “We’ve sent our objections to Bradford Council because the wind turbines are not in keeping with the countryside.”

Neighbours of the Bank Lane farm also registered their objections to the plan.

Mrs J Throup, of Snow Hill Farm, said four wind turbines were excessive for the site and any benefits would not outweigh the harm they would cause to the landscape character.

She wrote that the turbines would be a significant visual intrusion when viewed from her home and would severely impinge on the panoramic views from a well-used public footpath.

Michael Spence, who wrote an objection on behalf of Bank End Farm residents, said: “We don’t want to look out onto four white poles and hear the nuisance noise they will create.

“It is an area of outstanding natural beauty with lush green fields and natural stone walls.”

In support of Mr Gill’s application, chartered surveyors Fisher German wrote: “The site for the proposed wind turbines has been chosen carefully to ensure that it can be absorbed by the local landscape and is largely indistinguishable in the landscape from most mid and distant viewpoints.

“Where it is distinguishable from close vantage points, the design, scale, form and appearance has been selected to ensure that the construction and operation on the proposed site will not be intrusive on the landscape, and is far outweighed by the economic, social and environmental benefits of the proposal.”