A WIND farm which dominates the skyline above Thurlstone could continue for another five years if planners approve an application to extend its lifespan.
The Royd Moor wind farm was granted planning permission in 1993, with Suffolk based Yorkshire Windpower Ltd given permission to operate the site for 25 years.
That comes to an end this year, but the company believes site remains viable and have asked Barnsley Council for an extension to allow it to remain in place until the end of 2023.
A decision will be made later on whether to accept the request, when organisations including Gunthwaite and Ingbirchworth parish council and Dunford parish councils have been consulted, along with Barnsley councillors who represent the area and the council's rights of way officer.
The expansion of wind farms in the area has been controversial in the last two decades, with objectors citing the effect on the area's landscape, as well as problems with 'flicker' caused by the rotating blades in bright sunlight, among the reasons for restricting their use.
However, some environmentalists regard them as a valuable contribution to the country's 'green' energy needs because the electricity they produce is generated without creating greenhouse gasses.
