Public debate on turbine plan (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Public debate on turbine plan

11:00am Friday 17th February 2012 in Local By Amanda Greaves

A public consultation is being held about plans for an 85-metre high wind turbine on Bingley Moor.

Yorkshire Water parent company Kelda Group has written to people in the area inviting them to public exhibitions about the proposal at Graincliffe Water Treatment Works.

The company wants to build a single turbine up to 85 metres high to help power the treatment plant and pump water from the Graincliffe Reservoir.

The site is close to landmark moorland pub Dick Hudsons.

Kelda – which last week had its plans for two 75-metre turbines at the scenic Chelker Reservoir, near Addingham, rejected by Craven District Council – is holding public exhibitions at Eldwick Memorial Hall next Friday and on Wednesday, February 29.

The company said: “We are very keen the final application submitted to Bradford Council reflects as far as possible the views of local people.”

A spokesman for Kelda said the company aims to take into account the opinions of as many people around the catchment area as possible at this stage.

He stressed Kelda had not finalised its plans – including the height of the turbine – and public views would be taken into account.

A planning application is expected to submitted in the next few months.

Kelda wants to offset its energy bills to avoid these costs being passed on to customers, and aims to make increasing use of renewable energy.

Kelda has yet to reveal if it will submit a further application for turbines at the Chelker Reservoir, near Addingham.

The company spokesman said the company was disappointed with Craven District Council’s decision.

He said: “At this stage what we’re doing is reviewing and considering the feedback that we have from the planning committee.”

The exhibition at Eldwick Memorial Hall next Friday will take place from 3.30pm to 7pm, and the one on February 29 will be open from 1pm to 4pm.

More information about the Graincliffe proposals can be found online at keldawater.co.uk/graincliffe.