VILLAGERS are celebrating again after councillors refused proposals for a moorland wind farm for a second time.

They breathed a sigh of relief in March when the plans for 12 wind turbines, a temporary mast and associated equipment, were refused permission on the grounds they would have a harmful impact on the landscape.

But United Utilities resubmitted the plans for the site east of Clowbridge Reservoir, near Burnley, after the council drew up its new Local Plan allowing, in principle, for wind farms on this site.

The company lodged an appeal which led to the announcement there would be a public inquiry in November this year.

At the planning meeting members stood their ground and refused the application for the same reasons. Ron O'Riley, a Dunnockshaw and Clowbridge parish council member, said later: "This is very good news. We are again delighted at the outcome. It was a long evening and a lot of points were raised.

"A lot of residents attended; we were allowed about 30 people and we had the required number.

"I spoke about the Forest of Burnley memorial forest that has been started where the trees are growing nicely, there are paths and picnic areas and 240-foot turbines are just totally inappropriate."

Ian Smith, business development manager for United Utilities Green Energy, said: "We are obviously disappointed by the decision.

"The Clowbridge wind farm had been recommended for approval by Burnley's planning officer and was in an area identified by the council as being suitable for wind farm development.

"Had this scheme been granted, we believe it would have generated clean, green electricity for 8,500 homes in Burnley."