CONTROVERSIAL plans to install two wind turbines at Kingsdown Golf Club have been withdrawn by developers just days before a decision was due to be made.

The application was submitted by the golf club in September 2014 and, in the last two months, villagers in South Wraxall, Monkton Farleigh and Box have protested, arguing that the two 10kW Tozzi Nord wind turbines, which would be 69ft high, would be seen for miles.

The plans were withdrawn just a few days before Wiltshire Council was due to decide them.

Neil Newman, manager of Kingsdown Golf Club, refused to comment as to why.

Cllr Sheila Parker, who first called in the application, said the plans were met with much opposition from villagers and parish councils in the area, and believes they will be happy by the news.

“There wasn’t much support. from areas Most people in Box weren’t aware of the plans.

“They extended the consultation after villagers said they hadn’t been consulted properly and that is where all the objections came from. Other than that, there hasn’t been any reason why the golf club decided they didn’t want it. They may have moved to the idea of solar panels – I just don’t know.”

Despite the plans being withdrawn, planning officers favoured the go-ahead, saying that, while the site is green belt, the structures wouldn’t noticeably harm the scenery.

Jane Clifford, of nearby Kingsdown Livery Stables, wrote to Wiltshire Council expressing concerns and was relieved to hear that the plans have been withdrawn.

“I imagine that it was because of the opposition because it would be interesting to see the reason why they decided to withdraw at the last minute,” she said.

More than 25 letters were sent to Wiltshire Council in the last two months, many from villagers in Monkton Farleigh and South Wraxall.

Cllr Trevor Carbin, who represents both areas, said he received many complaints from residents after many were concerned about the turbines being built on green belt land and an area of outstanding natural beauty.

He added: “Let’s hope it is the end of the story. It will be interesting to know why they withdrew but let us assume they have been struck by the general feeling and are now looking for other ways.”