The market leader for small wind turbines has appointed a Horsforth man to join its northern office.

Luke McDonald will join Windcrop, the largest installer of this type of wind turbines, as a planning officer for the northern region.

He will manage the planning caseload for the company as it expands its operation.

Luke joins the business from the Homes and Communities Agency where he worked nationally as a technical manager.

He was responsible for delivering new-build housing programmes and providing specialist advice on town planning, renewables, environmental impact assessment and project management.

Mr McDonald said: “I am excited to be joining a growing business that champions a brilliant product.

“The Windcrop micro-turbine is a sleek and low-profile design that provides landowners and businesses with free electricity.

“I look forward to working with local authorities, customers and the general public to promote the environmental and economic benefits of the Windcrop micro-turbine.”

Before working for the Homes and Communities Agency in 2008, he worked as a planning team leader for Yorkshire with Entec UK, now known as Amec Environmental.

During his five years with this company Mr McDonald was instrumental in setting up Entec’s environmental business in Yorkshire into a viable branch of the company.

Windcrop installs and maintains its wind turbines to farmers and landowners, free of charge. The company is currently installing about 50 a month Richard Moody, Yorkshire general manager, said he was delighted to welcome Mr McDonald to the team.