PLANS to build three wind turbines near the Reebok Stadium have been rejected.

And calls have been made for a boroughwide wind turbine policy.

Cllr Lindsey Kell said: “Bolton Council needs to introduce a policy regarding wind turbines. We have the same arguments every time there is an application.”

James Thornbarrow, from Chadwicks Farm, in Lostock Lane, Lostock, had applied to build the three 66 metre-high wind turbines on his land, close to the M61 and just 250 metres away from nearby Barton Fold Farm.

Planning officers had recommended the application for approval, but after listening to objections, councillors decided the turbines were too close to neighbours, too large, unsuitable for the greenbelt land and voted against the application.

Horwich, Westhoughton and Blackrod Town Councils had expressed concerns and Blackrod and Horwich Environmental Action Group had also raised objections, stating the turbines were too close to homes.

Damian Hosker, speaking on behalf of agent WHP Wilkinson Helsby, said they were “passionate”

about renewable energy and the plans were in accordance with guidelines.

But Cllr Martin Cox said: “These are enormous structures and will clearly have an impact on residents.”

A separate application, for a windturbine at Birches Farm, in Birches Road, Turton was deferred.