PARISH councillors in Oxenhope are seeking clarification of Bradford planning policy on applications for wind turbines.

They were commenting after approval was given for two new turbines on 18-metre masts at Old Oxenhope Farm, Oxenhope Lane, by councillors at the Keighley and Shipley Area Planning Panel last month.

Oxenhope councillor Derrick Hopkinson, pictured, said: “It was strange that the panel overturned the planning officer’s recommendation to refuse the plans.

“This is especially in view of other planning applications for wind turbines in similar locations which have been refused, some of which were applications for just one turbine.

“The panel did mention the special circumstances relating to the farm’s need to improve its carbon footprint and use renewable energy.

“But I find the reasoning behind the decision to approve this latest application very strange. They didn’t take into account the result of a previous appeal decision “Every time we go to panel they take the opposite view to us. It doesn’t say much for localism and listening to the views of local people.”