Bradford Council’s decision to refuse plans for a 15 metre tall wind turbine in Harden has been backed by a Government planning inspector.

The plans, for Woodhead Farm in Ryecroft, were refused in August, but applicant Martin Longden appealed that decision in January.

He said the turbine would cause minimal harm to the surrounding area, and help produce green energy.

But planning inspector J P Watson disagreed, and has dismissed the appeal by saying the Council was right in its assessment that the turbine would do more harm than good, and spoil the Wilsden landscape.

Making the decision, the inspector stated: “Harm to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness, and the other harm associated with the proposal, are not clearly outweighed by other considerations.”