July 14, 2011
England

Fresh call for windfarm fight

Filey & Hunmanby Mercury, www.fileymercury.co.uk 14 July 2011

Campaigners against a controversial wind farm near Hunmanby have intensified their fight against the proposal.

The No To Wolds Wind Farm Group have stepped up their battle to stop Banks Renewables building a test mast on the outskirts of Hunmanby.

The contentious 80m monitoring mast is currently subject to a planning wrangle between Scarborough Council chiefs and Banks after an original application for the mast was thrown out in April.

However, the company – which hopes to build up to 14 turbines in the South Dale area – have appealed against the decision, which if overturned, could pave the way for the erection of the mast this year.

A deadline of July 20 was set for campaigners to put forward their arguments both for and against on the case, with members of the No To Wolds Wind Farm Group appealing for residents to contact the Planning Inspectorate about the controversial matter.

Julia Hey, spokeswoman for the group, said: “This is another opportunity to send a strong response from Hunmanby, Burton Fleming and surrounding areas.

“It is vitally important that the letters focus on the mast and do not refer to the proposed wind farm development.

“The mast would be the tallest structure in the area and will be viewed as an alien and incongruous feature within the pre-historic Wolds landscape.”

The original refusal for the mast was greeted with delight by protesters who marched upon Scarborough Town Hall to object the plans.

However, Phil Dyke, development director for Banks Renewables, said the company believed the mast would cause little aesthetical impact.

He added: “We were disappointed that Scarborough Council’s planning committee members rejected our wind mast planning application, especially given that it was recommended for approval by the council’s officers.

“The test mast is an unobtrusive, temporary structure that would be sited in an entirely suitable location and we hope this will be recognised.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/07/14/fresh-call-for-windfarm-fight/