December 17, 2011
England

Blow for wind scheme

Hull Daily Mail, www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk 17 December 2011

Countryside campaigners are applauding East Riding Council for standing in the way of a Yorkshire Wolds wind farm plan.

Despite being advised to approve it, councillors rejected an application by Gaoh Energy to put up a 60m wind monitoring mast at Nafferton. They said it would have too much impact on the open countryside.

The structure would have been the forerunner to four proposed 125m turbines.

The No To Wolds Windfarm Group is supported by well-known figures, such as Yorkshire artist David Hockney, who lives near there and takes inspiration from surrounding area.

Following the unexpected planning decision, group chairman Steve Hey said: “I applaud the councillors for sending out the message that industrial wind farms are not welcome on the Yorkshire Wolds.”

But he said he expects the applicant to appeal and says the rules should be changed to stop local council decisions being overturned by the planning inspectorate.

“The East Riding has done its bit for renewables up to 2020, which was the target,” said My Hey.

“Anything above that should be decided by local politicians.”

The campaign also argues that companies wanting to build wind farms should have to apply for outline planning permission at the outset.

Currenty, there is a two-stage approach where they initially apply for a less intrusive wind-monitoring mast.

East Riding planning officers had said the application should be approved because the mast would be slim, temporary and have a minimal impact on the landscape.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/12/17/blow-for-wind-scheme/