aLMOST half of all applications for onshore wind farms were rejected last year, as local communities united to oppose turbines amid concern about their noise and effect on the landscape.  Freedom of Information figures showed 32 applications out of a total 66 for onshore wind farms were turned down for planning permission last year, the lowest number of successful applications since 2005.  In 2009 a third of applications were refused and in 2005 it was just 29 per cent, according to the figures obtained by the commercial law firm McGrigors.  Campaigners say the rise is prompted by growing fears about the impact of wind farms - and the accompanying pylons - on tourism and house prices. a couple are currently taking a wind farm to the High Court claiming problems with the noise from turbines.  a recent study found green measures, such as subsidies for wind farms, are adding 30 per cent to bills, even though protesters claim that the technology is inefficient.  Trish Pemberton, of the National association of Wind action Groups, said many beautiful areas were facing a significant increase in applications.  Yet wind farms only generate electricity for a third of the time.  "The true facts about wind farms are becoming more publicly known and people are starting to realise the impact they have on people's lives," she said.  "People are just beginning to realise what is going on and they are outraged."  ambitious government aims for renewables to meet a third of electricity demand by 2020 mean thousands of new onshore wind farms need to be built because it is the cheapest and quickest option.  McGrigors partner Jacqueline Harris said town halls refusing planning because of "local interests" could derail climate change targets.  She said the problem would get worse with the Localism Bill, which gives more planning power back to communities.