The five 125m-tall turbines in green belt land at Hook Moor, north of Micklefield, were rejected because of the potential impact on radar equipment at RAFs Church Fenton and Linton-on-Ouse.

The Leeds City Council decision will delight the 845 people in the area who opposed the application, but dismay environmental campaigners who demonstrated outside Leeds Civic Hall urging a "yes" vote.

Squadron leader Gavin Pattinson, of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), told the meeting: "Turbines have been shown to create a loss of radar coverage."

He said the movement of the blades could also create "false" aircraft on the radar.

Coun John Crossley, chairman of Micklefield Parish Council, said the turbines would have an impact on both Micklefield and Lotherton Hall's gardens.

Stuart Provan, representing applicants Banks Renewables Ltd, said it would be three years before the turbines were operational and the company was confident that by then the technology would be available to meet the MoD's concerns.