Durham-based Banks Developments wants to build as many as eight propeller-style turbines on agricultural land at Hook Moor, near Micklefield and Garforth.

When news of the company's plans broke in July, the likely height of each turbine was said to be around 80 metres.But that figure, it has now emerged, relates only to the structures' central 'hubs'.

The end of their propeller blades would actually reach a height of 125 metres – just over 400 feet – during rotation.

Each turbine would therefore be taller than Big Ben or York Minster – and a third of the size of the Empire State Building.

It is also thought the wind farm could be visible up to 25 miles from Hook Moor, in places as far removed as Ripon, Rotherham, Haworth and Selby.

And today residents in Micklefield vowed to redouble their fight against the scheme, the first of its kind proposed for the Leeds metropolitan district.

Carolyn Walker, spokeswoman for the Hook Moor Wind Farm Action Group, said: "There is a real sense of determination here."
Impact
We just feel the height that is being talked about is too much for the site."

Councillor Mark Dobson (Lab, Garforth & Swillington), said: "I would urge people in my ward to think about the impact this would have on their views looking east."

The location earmarked for the wind farm is near the junction of the M1 and A1(M), south of the B1217 Collier Lane.

Banks says the scheme would generate enough energy for up to 10,000 homes without the production of environmentally-damaging greenhouse gases.

The firm has also pledged feedback from local residents will play a key role in its detailed design work.

It is expected to submit an application for planning permission for the project later this year.

An application for a 60 metre test wind mast has already been lodged with the city council by Banks, however.

The deadline for public comments on it was originally August 13 but has now been put back to August 23.

The Hook Moor action group's next meeting is on Tuesday, August 21, at the Blands Arms pub in Micklefield, starting at 7.30pm.

* For more details on the campaign, visit www.hookmoorwindfarm.org.uk.