A renewable energy expert told a public inquiry that not enough is being done to encourage people to build wind turbines.

Barnaby Fryer, of the Yorkshire Renewable Energy Networking group, said planning permission should not be required for small-scale turbines on private property.

Mr Fryer said the in-depth information which has to be provided when making an application often left people feeling "frustrated".

Speaking at an inquiry into Bradford Council's proposed Unitary Development Plan in Victoria Hall, Saltaire yesterday, Mr Fryer said the UDP's policy on wind turbines, known as NR 13, did not encourage householders to provide renewable energy through wind turbines. Penny Ward, secretary of the Aire Valley Conservation Society, told the inspector that the UDP should be altered so that householders would not have to meet the same requirements as developers building large turbines or wind farms.

"I'm just sorry there has to be a restrictive policy at all," she said. "I also feel the public are getting frustrated that things aren't moving forward on this matter and they are upset there are planning restrictions on small-scale turbines."

Mr Fryer said: "We want to encourage people to reduce their electricity withdrawal from the national grid."

But Bradford Council representative Andrew Marshall claimed the policy relating to turbines followed Government guidelines.

"What I would say is that any householder or developer needs to talk to Planning before they embark on a development because of the complexity of the situation," he said.

Mr Marshall said noise and the effect on the landscape and environment are taken into account when considering an application for a wind turbine.

He added that planning guidelines on the subject are planned to be reviewed and Bradford Council would reviewing its strategy on the matter when the results were published.

Other objections to the policy, which were not discussed at the inquiry, include an objection from Ilkley Design Statement Group and Ilkley Parish Council against building wind turbines on Ilkley Moor because they claim it is an area of "outstanding attractiveness".

The UDP proposes protecting as much green belt land as possible, with homes and other developments planned to be built on already used brownfield sites. Once agreed, it will be the area's building blueprint for applications until 2019. The inquiry is expected to cost £1 million and last until June.