Residents living near Chelker Reservoir have spoken of their cautious relief that controversial plans for three 80-metre high wind turbines have been scrapped.

Kelda Water Services (KWS) had wanted to replace four 45-metre high turbines with three 80-metre structures to power Yorkshire Water’s nearby Chelker and Lobwood pumping stations.

But, this week, after much criticism and opposition to the plans, a spokesman for KWS, a sister company to Yorkshire Water, revealed the planning application had been withdrawn.

However, Mark Fox, of KWS, said the company was now going to carry out a public consultation with residents with a view to submitting new plans later in the year for two 80-metre high turbines on the site.

Alison Plunkett, a resident of East Berwick House, which is located within 400 metres of the site, said: “I’m just so relieved it’s been withdrawn. For a long time I’ve been worried about this, but I’m not jumping for joy just yet.”

Mr Fox said: “We’re going to engage in a new process of public consultation and dialogue. We’ll be looking to put in a completely fresh application, following public consultation, for two turbines of 80 metres.”

While Mrs Plunkett said she would be reserving judgment until after the consultation, another resident spoke of his scepticism about any future plans for the site.

“I’m pleased but watchful,” said Beamsley’s Peter Rigby, Craven chairman of the Campaign to Protect Rural England. “It was kicked out last time because of a loss of residential amenity.”

Mr Rigby, who is also chairman of protest group Parishioners Against Chelker Turbines, said: “They’ll try again but we’ll be there. I still think they have no hope of getting it passed.”

Mr Rigby believes that a “damning” objection letter from English Heritage to Craven District Council’s planning department could have played a part in the application being withdrawn.

English Heritage objected on the grounds that the public benefit of the proposals did not outweigh the substantial harm to Bolton Abbey and Farfield Hall.

Mr Fox admitted there had been a lot of opposition to three new turbines, but said the idea behind the new consultation was to put the record straight.

He said. “We want to let people know the true facts about all this rather than the misinformation and misunderstanding. We’re in the process of sending out letters to everyone concerned.”

Councillor Robert Clayton, vice-chairman of Draughton Parish Council, said: “We welcome the fact that they’ve withdrawn their application, but we’re disappointed they’ll be coming back.”

An open event as part of the consultation will take place at Addingham Golf Club from noon to 8pm on Wednesday, July 13.