The Bronte Society has formally objected to proposals by Yorkshire Wind Power to replace turbines at its Ovenden Moor Wind Farm, near Halifax, with those more than double in size.

Plans submitted to Calderdale Council include the construction of nine new turbines on the site that would be about 115 metres to their blade tip, replacing the 23 which stand at 48.9 metres.

The Bronte Society says if the plan goes ahead it would spoil the landscape and harm its attraction to tourists. In a letter to planners, Society chairman Sally McDonald said: “The Worth Valley watershed includes those stretches of moorland and specific locations which are associated with the Bronte family and particularly the writings of Emily Bronte.

"They are culturally and historically unique and they form an internationally-recognised part of England's heritage.

“The turbines currently in operation at Ovenden Moor are visible from many parts of the watershed and their visual impact is unfortunate and inappropriate.

“However, the current proposal would introduce to the skyline man-made structures of such increased size they could potentially be seen from as far away as Harrogate and Tadcaster.

“They would appear as overwhelming features in the landscape and would diminish the perception of its scale and remoteness.

“In an empty landscape even small turbines have a dominating effect and the movement of the blades draws the eye, making them impossible to ignore.

“The far greater size of the proposed turbines would have a defining and hugely detrimental influence upon the character of the landscape and its setting.”

A spokesman for power company Eon said the larger turbines would enable the site to more than double its generation capacity while using far fewer turbines.

He said: “We have carried out a thorough Environmental Impact Assessment study, backed by independent experts, which has shown that there will no impact on National Landscape Designations.

“We’re currently consulting with the local community.”