Tough new guidelines to help residents oppose wind farms have been welcomed by Keighley MP, (Con) Kris Hopkins (right).

The new rules for councils will make it easier for them to block proposed wind farms with guidance saying concerns of local people should take precedence over the need for renewable energy, and give more weight to the impact of turbines on the landscape and heritage.

The changes are part of a package of measures that also significantly increase the amount of money communities will receive for agreeing to host wind farms nearby, with householders set to get hundreds of pounds off energy bills.