RESIDENTS in Burnley's smallest parish are celebrating after winning their 'David and Goliath' battle to block plans for a moorland wind farm.

The Government has refused to grant planning permission for United Utilities to put 12 turbines on land near Clowbridge Reservoir following a public inquiry in November because they would have had an "unacceptable impact" on the local landscape.

Dunnockshaw and Clowbridge Parish Council led the fight against the proposals, which were refused by Burnley Council twice last year.

Parish clerk, Olwen Riley, said the community was delighted at the decision not to grant permission for the turbines which, she said, would have dwarfed the village.

She said: "It is a wonderful result for the parish. We have been fighting this for about two years, so it has been a long and uphill struggle.

"We were concerned because it would have dominated the village and was too near to people's homes, particularly for those living at the end of the village nearest to Burnley."

County Coun Marcus Johnstone, who also spoke out against the proposals at the public inquiry, said: "This has been a real David and Goliath battle.

"United Utilities must have spent thousands on their legal representation at the public inquiry compared to the parish council, which had a whipround to raise a few hundred quid to bring in a planning consultant.

"This result proves what a community can achieve when it is determined enough and pulls together."

He added: "A huge weight has been lifted from the shoulders of residents and they can now get on with their lives."

Burnley MP Peter Pike said: "These issues are always difficult because of the environmental issue and I found that this was a very even case. But, after giving it careful thought and meeting with the residents, I came down on their side, so I welcome this result and I know they will too."

Paul Hunt, business development manager for United Utilities Green Energy, said he was disappointed with the decision.

He said: "Had this scheme been granted, we believe it would have generated clean, green electricity for 8,500 homes in Burnley and would also have helped combat global warming by reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

"Wind farms are an essential part of the Government's renewable energy targets and United Utilities remains committed to developing its green energy portfolio."

Plans for three turbines on land at New Barn Farm, in Billington Road, Burnley, which were also refused by Burnley Council and formed part of the public inquiry last November, were granted planning permission by the Government.