The council’s own conservation officer had concerns over the scheme.
The fencing and work could have significantly altered the natural open landscape and setting of the heritage assets in the village, “creating a dominating and alien feature”, the LDRS reported.
There would have also been a six-month construction period, with 14 heavy goods vehicles travelling along Bathley Road every day.
While the applicant pledged to widen the road, it did not prove enough to sway councillors.
Conservative councillor Sue Saddington, who represents the area, said: “We’ve heard the conservation officer has concerns, and the report states this development would cause harm.
“So I may ask, why are we sitting here discussing such a ridiculous application in a rural area?
“The impact on the heritage of the village, the environment, and the conservation, and listed buildings, will have a huge effect on the surrounding area.”
The chair of the committee, Labour councillor Andy Freeman, added: “I am a great believer in renewable energy, but I say time and time and time again ‘not at any cost’.
“For me this cost is too high.
“The impact on the conservation and heritage assets for me, as your chairman, is just too hard to bear.”