A proposal to build two 80-metre wind turbines at Chelker Reservoir has been met with widespread opposition from local residents.

Kelda Water Services held a public consultation last Thursday at Bracken Ghyll Golf Club, Addingham, to explain its latest plans to build the Nordex N60 turbines after recently withdrawing a plan to erect three turbines at the site.

“We removed the turbine that would have sat the highest on the hillside, which reduces the visual impact on Bolton Abbey further down the valley,” said Richard Sears, Kelda’s corporate affairs manager. “And Yorkshire Water’s original plan was for two turbines that were 125 metres high. So this new proposal is in direct response to what we’ve heard. We take people’s views into account where we can.”

Mr Sears also said turbines at Chelker had been a feature of the landscape for many years, and he said Kelda preferred to use existing sites rather than build on “virgin territory”. “For many years, these turbines have peacefully co-existed with the local community,” he said.

East Berwick resident Catherine Leigh, who lives 400 metres from one of the proposed new turbines, said it was a health and safety issue for her and other residents of East Berwick.

“Every time we go in and out of the driveway we’ll pass 20 metres from the tip of the blade. It’s a matter of sheer common sense,” she said.

Jean Rennard, of Beamsley, added: “I’m totally opposed to them because visually they would spoil my beautiful view. I also find it absolutely appalling that they would install a turbine so close to the residents of East Berwick.”

Action group Parishioners Against Chelker Turbines (PACT) staged a protest outside the golf club during the consultation.

PACT chairman Peter Rigby said: “Our aim is simple: Give people the facts rather than misinformation and misrepresentation. I don’t think Kelda were too pleased to see us here, but there are important facts that they don’t seem too keen to make public. Getting facts into the open means we have performed a public service. Visitors have welcomed that. It has been a very good day.”

Mr Sears added: “We’ve done our best to balance the needs of the environment, Yorkshire Water and local residents. The likelihood is that we’ll submit a new application by the end of July or early August.”