PLANS to build a large wind turbine at a Turton farm have been dealt a new blow — after a neighbouring council opposed them.

Farmer Andy Paton wants to build the 66-metre structure at Birches Farm and the proposals will be considered by Bolton planning chiefs tomorrow.

Now Blackburn with Darwen Council has lodged a letter of objection with Bolton’s planning committee, claiming the structure would be an “inappropriate development” for the green belt — land protected by law from over-development — and also raises concerns over noise.

A total of 29 objections from nearby residents have also been received.

Blackburn with Darwen councillor Colin Rigby, who represents North Turton with Tockholes, said: “Access roads for this are in Blackburn and Darwen.

“This is the wrong application in the wrong place.

“There won’t be enough wind for it. Turbines of this size are supposed to be on hills, and this is in a valley.

“Our officers wrote to Bolton and said we have some concerns about it.

All I’d like to see happen is for Bolton to defer the application and sit down with our planning officers and come to some common ground.”

Blackburn with Darwen Council does not have the power to veto the plans, but Bolton Council will take its recommendation into account when making a decision.

Mr Paton, aged 43, who submitted the plans, already has two turbines on his farm.

He is also facing opposition from a group of nearby residents, but said the turbine would be a major boost to his dairy farm.

Mr Paton said: “I’d like to find out why Blackburn came back with glowing support when I submitted the same application in January.”

He said: “The turbine will make us carbon neutral and will also allow me to employ at least two extra staff.

“We can’t continue to rely on oil and gas.”