PARISH councillors have recommended proposals to build a second wind turbine at a quarry overlooking the Worth Valley should be rejected.

Members of Haworth, Cross Roads and Stanbury Parish Council responded to a pre-application plan to build an additional turbine at Naylor's Hill Quarry.

This has since been submitted as a formal application to Bradford Council's officers, who are considering the plans for the structure, which would be 48 metres high from its base to the tip of the turbine blades.

A proposal put forward by Haworth councillor Gary Swallow, and seconded by Cllr Angel Kershaw, resolved: "This council does not support any application for the erection of any further wind turbines on Naylor’s Hill.

"This is due to the environmental and visual damage such a development would have on the surrounding area, and the special heritage and economy of Haworth."

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Swallow said he is concerned many people in Haworth do not seem to be aware of the application.

He said the village and its surroundings remain a popular destination for film and television programme makers, but warned this could be jeopardised if the appearance of the skyline is harmed by the installation of another turbine.

Naylor's Hill Quarry already has one prominent wind turbine, which was put in place many years ago.

The applicant behind the latest plans – Gillson & Co (Haworth) Limited – says the new 250 kilowatt device would require a 130 sq m concrete foundation base, and a trench for a cable to connect the turbine to the National Grid.

A detailed statement accompanying the application explains: "The proposed wind turbine will be sited in a field of grazing land approximately 385 metres east of the A6033 Hebden Road, the nearest major road.

"An existing turbine owned by the applicant lies 236 metres to the west of the proposed site.

"The development is being put forward to generate renewable energy for the National Grid and to help meet the Government’s renewable energy targets and obligations.

"It would also off-set the high energy usage of the joint applicant’s businesses and reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

The statement points out the turbine would be designed and located to minimise impact on the surrounding landscape's appearance, character and wildlife.

It also notes: "The proposed turbine will not be visible from the area around the [Brontë] Parsonage and [Haworth Parish] Church or the top end of Haworth Main Street near the Black Bull."

A spokesman for the Brontë Society said it was aware of the application, but did not currently wish to comment.

The plans will be decided by Bradford Council.