February 10, 2011
England

Nine turbines planned on wind farm’s doorstep

Concerns have been raised about plans for a big wind farm on the doorstep of one already up and running.

The nine-turbine farm planned for Thornholme Field, near Bridlington, would be just three miles from a scheme at Lissett.

The 360ft high turbines would be just over a mile away from Burton Agnes Hall, an elegant Elizabethan stately home.

Wind Prospect Ltd has drawn up plans for the green scheme, which would generate enough electricity for 10,000 homes a year.

Residents and parish councils are being consulted before a planning application is submitted to East Riding Council.

Ward councillor Jane Evison said: “My concern is the close proximity to the 12-turbine scheme at Lissett.

“Three miles is not a very big distance for these huge turbines, and the two schemes would almost be in the shadow of each other.

“People complain to me about problems with the Lissett wind farm, like noise, and another one so close might be too much.”

Mrs Evison and fellow ward councillor Jonathan Owen said they wanted to help people understand the implications of the scheme.

She said: “This a big application for little villages, like Thornholme and Burton Agnes, and it is important the are fully consulted.

“I am not against wind farms, but it is worrying to see so many springing up all over the region.”

The renewable energy business wants to build East Yorkshire’s latest wind farm on farmland north of Thornholme.

Horse breeder Jo Milnes, owner of West End Farm Stud in Thornholme, said she was in favour of the new wind farm.

She said: “I was worried about the effect on the horses, but have been assured by British Horse Society research that there will not be a problem.

“We need renewable energy schemes such as wind farms, if not necessarily for us, but definitely for future generations.

“Wind Prospect have certainly done their homework on this scheme, and are keen to speak to everybody about it.”

A public exhibition will be held in the spring and a newsletter will be going out to local communities in the coming months.

Sophie Nioche, Wind Prospect development manager, said: “We are keen to keep an open dialogue with the local community throughout the process.”

Simon Cunliffe-Lister, owner of Burton Agnes Hall, said he had not seen the plans so could not comment at the moment.

People can have their say about the scheme at a new website www.thornholmefieldwindfarm.co.uk