March 3, 2011
England

Copmanthorpe villagers fight wind turbine plan

BBC News, www.bbc.co.uk 3 March 2011

Villagers are campaigning against plans to erect wind turbines more than twice the height of York Minster cathedral close to their homes.

Hundreds of Copmanthorpe residents turned up to a public exhibition of the plans for up to five turbines measuring 145m (475ft).

Banks Renewables said the Hagg Wood development could produce enough energy to power about 8,300 homes a year.

Residents said they will fight to keep their rural view.

Graham Auton said: “Within a couple of minutes you could be walking out into the countryside and the last thing you want to encounter is five wind turbines the size of Blackpool tower.”

If the project is approved the company would also fund a community benefits scheme.

Justin Hancock, senior development planner, said: “This project has the potential to both make a major contribution to low carbon generation in North Yorkshire and to also be very beneficial to local residents.

“Depending on the eventual generating power of the scheme, it may be possible to financially support major local initiatives.”

A planning application is expected to be submitted before the end of the year.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/03/03/copmanthorpe-villagers-fight-wind-turbine-plan/