Council approves Rotherham wind farm plans

Plans for wind turbines in Rotherham have been approved by councillors despite a campaign against them by thousands of residents.

It is estimated the six new turbines near Ulley Dam will generate enough power for 10,000 homes.

But campaigners argued they would ruin the skyline and be detrimental to the newly-reinforced dam.

Wind farm company Banks Renewables said it had received more letters in favour of the plans than against them.

Local resident Jenny Shimwell, who campaigned against the turbines, said: "Everybody on the action group is very disappointed.

"We felt the concerns we had raised were not really given the weight and consideration in the planning process that we would have hoped."

Phil Dyke, managing director of Banks Renewables, said he was "confident" that the planning consent would address any concerns.

"We do not believe that this project will become a nuisance but will contribute significantly to climate change and renewable energy within the region," he said.

He added that following public consultation meetings the company had received 812 letters of support for the scheme and 542 letters in opposition.