Residents are celebrating after hated proposals for a 77m-tall wind turbine in Helsby were scrapped.

Clean Power Properties Limited withdrew its application – for the erection of a single wind turbine, formation of new vehicular access track and associated infrastructure on land at the railway sidings – on Monday following an objection by Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

Nick Leaney, director of Aardvark EM, which is Clean Power’s planning agent, said they withdrew the application after the airport raised concerns over the potential for conflict with its radar system.

In Liverpool John Lennon’s external  consultation response, operations planner Andrew Hepworth explained the  wind turbine blades would be detected  by the primary surveillance radar, creating clutter.

“As a result, the safe operation of the  airport would be seriously compromised and we therefore wish to object to  the proposal,” he wrote.

When asked whether the developer  might make another application for the  site in the future, Mr Leaney said: “It is  a good site for renewable energy. If this  matter can be resolved with John Lennon Airport, then obviously the applicant may consider reapplying.”

News of the withdrawal will be welcomed by Helsby residents, who were  overwhelmingly opposed to the proposed development, with more than 130  locals attending the public consultation  meeting held by the parish council at the  start of the month.

Helsby parish councillor Terry O’Neill  said: “It is excellent news. We have done  a good job mobilising the residents, who  have come out en masse in opposition to  the plans.

“I am sure that all the residents of  Helsby will be very pleased about it.”

Network Rail, who own the land, also  objected to the proposal on the grounds  that they are under instruction from the  Office of Rail Regulation to close level  crossings and new level crossings will  therefore not be introduced onto the  railway network.

It also cited the potential shadow flicker area as a factor in its decision.