COUNCILLORS last night backed a plan to ban turbines from built-up areas.

Conservatives and Lib Dems supported a proposal to forbid windmills higher than 100 metres within 1km (0.6 miles) of homes.

But Labour members of Kirklees Council voted against the plan at last night’s monthly meeting.

Clr Jim Dodds, who moved the motion, said: “I’m not asking for a two-kilometre exclusion zone – like they have in Europe – I think one kilometre is an achievable distance for England.

“Everyone agrees that we need wind power but we have to get it right.”

Clr Dodds told last night’s meeting that turbines caused problems if they were placed too close to homes.

The Denby Dale Conservative said: “The noise can drive people nuts because it’s insidious. It disturbs people’s sleep and makes them depressed.

“There is also the problem of shadow flicker which has a similar affect to noise.

“There’s a particular danger of turbines throwing off ice.”

But Clr Peter McBride told the meeting that Britain needed new energy sources.

The Dalton Labour man said: “Within 10 years, the UK will only be able to meet 75% of its electricity demand.

“We need a full nuclear programme plus all the renewables possible, or else the lights are going to go out.

“It’s really important that we see the urgency of this.”

Cleckheaton Lib Dem Clr Andrew Pinnock said he would support the motion, but added: “We need the electricity produced by wind turbines.”

Clr Elizabeth Smaje spoke for the motion.

The Birstall and Birkenshaw Conservative told the meeting: “I’m not opposed to wind power but I am opposed to turbines close to properties.

“Blade failure is not uncommon and fire is the second most common cause of failure. With these structures being so high, there’s not much you can do except let the fire burn itself out.”

The Lib Dems and Conservatives voted in favour of the motion calling for a 1km ban, while Labour councillors voted against.

Earlier councillors had heard from Matt Wright of pressure group Birdsedge Opposition to Large Turbines (BOLT).

He said: “The turbines proposed for our area would be 600 metres from the local school and 500 metres from local residents.

“The legislation about turbines is quite weak and doesn’t protect residents.”