A PUBLIC inquiry opens today into controversial plans for a £6m windfarm.

The application to build eight turbines by the side of the A59 Harrogate to Skipton road in North Yorkshire was refused by Harrogate Borough Council's planning committee.

But applicant National Wind Power has appealed in a bid to overturn the decision.

The proposal for the site, near Kettlesing Head, had brought a strong objection from Leeds-Bradford International Airport, at Yeadon.

Planning officers recommended Harrogate planning committee to refuse the scheme, saying it would be prejudicial to aircraft safety.

National Wind Power said it had provided analysis by two companies indicating that radar would not detect the turbines.

But a report from the airport said it did not accept that.

Planning officers also said it would also have a detrimental impact on the adjoining Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The 300ft-plus turbines would be seen from the fringe of York and from areas as diverse as Ilkley, Ripon, Boroughbridge and north Leeds on the near 200-acre site.

A report to the planners said the turbines would give a combined maximum output of about 10.4megawatts of electricity, enough to power 7,000 homes. It was pointed out that the need to promote renewable energy had already been identified in the Government's energy White Paper.

The inquiry, in Harrogate, is expected to last up to seven days.