Decision due on Bronte moor mast

A decision is due to be made on a controversial plan to build a wind mast on Thornton Moor.

Shipley Area Planning Panel will meet to decide if the sixty metre high wind mast can be built. It would remain in place for three years and is designed to collect data on wind speeds in the area with a view to building a wind farm at a later date.

Campaigners against the plans include the Bronte Society. They believe a mast would ruin the famous moorland views.

Protesters list these objections to the mast:

• loss of visual amenity

• overshadowing

• loss of trees

• effect on greenbelt

• traffic congestion

• damage to local economy

There is government support for renewable energy and wind turbines on both a local and national scale.

Various consultations have found that no long term damage would be caused to the landscape by the erection of this mast.