The company behind controversial proposals for a multi-million pound wind farm near Bradford has applied for permission to build a test mast at the site.

Banks Renewables is looking to spend around £12.5 million building up to four turbines on moorland south of Denholme, near Thornton.

The 60m-high test mast would be erected on site to collect wind data and a decision is expected by April.

Critics say the wind farm could have a detrimental impact on the countryside but bosses say it will help produce renewable energy for thousands of homes.

Development director Phil Dyke said: “The test mast is a slender, unobtrusive structure that would be used to gather information on the wind resource of the area and we are confident that we have made a strong case for erecting it on the site.

“The Thornton Moor scheme would represent a significant capital investment by Banks, and as well as producing significant amounts of renewable energy, it would also bring a range of other benefits to the area. to meet the annual electricity requirements of up to 4,400 homes.”

But Anthea Orchard, of Denholme Gate, who formed Thornton Moor Wind Farm Action Group in 2010 to oppose the plans, said: “The wind masts are not really necessary because all they do is to prove to financial backers the scheme is viable for them financially.

“The damage is would cause is unnecessary. Myself and other members of the group will be opposing the planning application and we would urge other people to do so as well by visiting the Council’s planning website, where the application will be online in the next few weeks. I would urge people to look at pictures of the test mast, to see the effect it will have. It’s feasible to get the plans turned down. This is by no means a done deal. we will be fighting it tooth and nail.”

The proposed wind farm would be able to produce up to 8M of electricity, enough to power up to 4,400 homes or a town three times the size of nearby Denholme.

For more information about the scheme go to banksgroup.co.uk or contact the company’s community team on 0191 378 6100 or via thorntonmoor@banksgroup.co.uk. For more information on Thornton Moor Windfarm Action Group go to sayno2windfarm.org.uk.