February 1, 2008
England
England
Controversial plans for 12 wind turbines near Beverley have resurfaced a year after being rejected by councillors.
The Mail can today reveal developers behind the application for the 100m high turbines have appealed to the Planning Inspectorate to overturn East Riding Council’s decision.
The wind farm plans for land north of Hall Farm in Routh will be the subject of a four-day public inquiry next month.
The scheme was thrown out by the council’s planning committee 12 months ago because of fears the turbines would dominate the Beverley Minster and ruin views from the Westwood.
Today, campaigners said they were prepared to fight yet again to stop the development.
Penny Higbee, of Main Street, Routh, had helped lead the campaign against the original application.
She said: “I’m still dead against it and we are definitely going to fight it.
“We were so pleased when it was refused last time, so we just have to hope the inspector comes to the same decision as the councillors who know the area did.”
Mrs Higbee said she was disappointed but not surprised the applicant, Ridgewind Limited, had taken the plans to appeal.
“I knew they wouldn’t let it lie,” said Mrs Higbee.
“I am not against wind farms, I just think there are better places to put them than on the doorstep of the few properties there are in Routh.
“We have all spoken about it in the village and everyone is determined to fight it again.”
Dennis Parker, countryside secretary for the Beverley Ramblers’ Association, said he was disgusted by the proposals.
Mr Parker said the turbines would dwarf the Minster and spoil the breathtaking view from the high points of Beverley Westwood.
“It is landscape vandalism,” said Mr Parker.
“Beverley Minster has been a prominent sight from the Westwood for 600 years.
“To put turbines that will overshadow this historic building just a few miles away would be a very sad thing.”
Mr Parker said he hoped to speak at the inquiry to help demonstrate the strength of feeling against the application.
He said: “It’s absolutely the wrong location. I don’t agree with those who say global warming should be avoided at all costs, even if it means ruining one of the most wonderful and historic views in Beverley.”
Nigel Goodhew, director of Ridgewind Limited, defended the plans.
He said: “We do not think it is the case that the development would ruin the view, and that’s why we are appealing.
“It is an excellent area, and falls within planning policy. It is very windy there and has excellent grid connections.”
Mr Goodhew said it was an opportunity for the East Riding to lead the way in sustainable energy.
He said: “This could be an incredibly positive thing for the area.
“We are importing vast amounts of our energy needs, whereas this will produce British green sustainable energy.
“The East Riding can make a very positive statement about sustainable energy and we hope to show that at the inquiry.”
Hull Daily Mail and East Riding Mail
1 February 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/02/01/turbine-battle-in-the-wind-again/