June 24, 2011
England

Protest over wind turbine plan for coast beauty spot

Yorkshire Post, www.yorkshirepost.co.uk 23 June 2011

A villager is leading protests over plans that could lead to the first wind turbine being built at an East Coast beauty spot.

Wind Energy Direct has submitted plans for a wind measuring mast, which could later see a 125-metre (410ft) structure on land north east of Munton’s Malts plant, near Sewerby, close to ancient Danes Dyke and within the Flamborough Heritage Coast.

On Tuesday night consultants gave a presentation to Bempton parish council about the 60-metre (197ft) measuring mast. Spokesman David Abraham said: “They wished to make some comments but they didn’t object to the mast going ahead.”

Mr Abraham said the results from the mast and other surveys would dictate whether they progressed the plans for the larger structure, which will supply energy to Munton’s. Full consultation would then follow.

However Bempton resident David Hinde said few people were aware of the plans, which he fears will set a precedent for a protected area. Only yesterday he discovered another developer had been in touch with East Riding Council over building six turbines on nearby farmland. Munton’s is not involved.

He said: “There’s very few people in any of these communities knowing about this even though they have been having discussions privately with the council since December. It’s a very popular area for nature tourism.

“I strongly object to the development of a 125-metre mast to which this wind monitoring mast will lead, as it will set a precedent for the whole of the Flamborough Heritage Coast area, which is a protected landscape area.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/06/24/protest-over-wind-turbine-plan-for-coast-beauty-spot/