Support for three 100m wind turbines in Scammonden outstrips opposition.
Public comments show around 490 in support and more than 170 against – with several neutral and others asking questions but not expressing a clear view.
Comments in favour of the plans have been received from Ireland, Germany, Barnsley, Shipley, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and Shropshire, though many are from the Colne Valley area or neighbouring areas in Calderdale.
Some are identical letters but signed by different people.
MP Jason McCartney has lodged his opposition to the plans, along with Huddersfield Civic Society and artist Ashley Jackson.
Conservation body Natural England has also expressed concerns about the potential damage to species and habitat.
Of the comments that have come from abroad, Stefan Taschner, who gave his address as Berlin but with a London postcode, writes: “Climate change is a subject that affects us all. Energy consumption is one of the most important parameters that have to be changed.”
A Shropshire man, Jon Kean, described the moorland as “an ideal site” adding: “The visual impact will be positive.”
Vicky Byrne, of Huddersfield, described the green boost as a “drop in the ocean... but a positive one” in lending her support.
Fiona Weir said the turbines could be a “model for energy independence in Kirklees”.
Oliver Berryman talks of the beauty of the Cupwith and Merrydale Clough area, adding: “The scale of the proposed development would seriously damage this valuable local asset, which was only recently enhanced by hundred of trees planted by local volunteers.
“This would seriously damage one of Kirklees’ best natural assets.”
Patrick Campbell from Stainland is critical of the plans, writing: “I cannot believe that any council would sanction the erection of three of these useless monstrosities on the moors.”
He said the Calderdale/Kirklees border was being blighted by “windfarms by stealth”.
MP Mr McCartney wrote that the turbines would be “detrimental to the local environment”.
He said: “The proposed turbines are too big for this location, they would dominate the skyline and would destroy this public amenity which is on the edge of a Special Protection Area.”
Artist Ashley Jackson, a lover of the moors, was highly critical of the proposal: “I am saddened to contemplate a moorland with three masts not just impinging the skyline but desecrating natural beauty and habitat if skylarks and curlews.”
He said we were all “caretakers” of the landscape and had hopes that “Kirklees will do the right thing” and reject the plans.
Community-based Valley Wind Co-operative wants to put up three 64m mast turbines off New Hey Road, near to the former Nont Sarah’s pub and Cupwith Reservoir.
The co-operative will need to raise around £10m to fund construction of the wind project – £4m by bank loan and �6m in shares.
If approved, the turbines could generate electricity to power over 4,700 homes a year.
Kirklees councillors will rule on the plans.
