A wind energy company is to launch a fresh bid to build turbines at a Craven beauty spot.

Eighteen months after Energiekontor UK had plans for five 100-metre turbines at Brightenber Hill near Gargrave refused by a government planning inspector, the company has returned with a reduced scheme.

Although the site is the same – on farmland owned by dairy farmer Robert Metcalfe between West Marton and Gargrave – there are now three turbines planned, at the same height.

The company has also removed the turbines closest to Ash Tree Farm – the main reason why the last application was refused permission both by Craven District Council and on appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.

The company this week leafleted all households within a five-kilometre radius of the proposed site and on Wednesday, it will stage a consultation meeting at Coniston Cold Village Hall.

Justin Reid, project manager, claimed that the three 2.5mw turbines would create enough electricity on average to power 3,670 Craven homes every year.

He said following next week’s public consultation, it was expected that a planning application would be submitted to Craven District Council.

A spokesman for The Friends of Craven Landscape, which two years ago hired a barrister to fight the appeal, said the group was still opposed to the scheme, even in its reduced form.

“We’re disappointed with Energiekontor’s decision to resubmit their application, particularly after earlier promises to respect public opinion,” said Chris Emmett.

“We’re also surprised to hear the three turbines will deliver enough power to supply 3,670 Craven homes. That will require an efficiency rating of 27 per cent. Brightenber Hill has a wind speed of just over six metres per second, which will deliver just 12 per cent efficiency.”

Wednesday’s public consultation is due to take place from 2pm to 8pm.