October 17, 2013
England

RWE npower plans wind farm at Yorkshire Wolds’ highest point, Cottam Airfield

By Lucy Leeson | Hull Daily Mail | Posted: October 17, 2013 | www.hulldailymail.co.uk

A wind farm could be built on the highest point of the Yorkshire Wolds. RWE npower renewables has confirmed it is undertaking some early technical investigations into the potential for a wind farm development at Cottam Airfield near Driffield.

The company could not confirm how many turbines it is considering as part of its initial investigations.

Despite being built as a bomber airfield as a satellite to RAF Driffield, poor weather conditions meant Cottam was never used as an airfield.

Its watch office was demolished in 1980 and its runways and buildings were previously used for bomb storage.

Diann Atkin, Cottam Parish Council clerk, is concerned about any potential development at the airfield.

She said: “I am totally against any proposals for a wind farm in this area.

“I believe we are custodians of our landscapes. The Wolds are a place of designated natural beauty and should remain so.”

RWE is to host a number of community consultation events regarding any future developments.

The first of these will take place at Driffield Community Centre on Friday, October 25, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

A second event will be held at Weaverthorpe Village Hall on Tuesday, October 29.

Driffield Town Council clerk Claire Binnington confirmed representatives from the town council will be attending the consultation event. She said: “We received a letter from RWE on Monday inviting us to the consultation, along with a map of the proposed area.

“As things stand, the town council does not have a policy on wind farms. However, we will be sending a representative from the council to the event to report back to us.”

The Yorkshire Wolds are seen by many as an iconic landmark.

Diann said: “The top point of the Wolds is a beautiful place.

“Over in Hull, you can actually see the top of the Wolds from a tall building such as Hull Royal Infirmary.

“I have painted it many a time.”

Artist David Hockney has also painted the Wolds landscape many times over the years.

Diann said: “On his travels, David Hockney spoke with people from as far afield as Los Angeles who know of the beauty the Wolds have to offer.”

A spokesperson for RWE npower renewables said: “We can confirm that we are undertaking some early technical investigations into the potential for a wind farm development in the Driffield area.

“Local knowledge of the site and the surrounding area are important factors in taking forward any project.

“We will be contacting local councillors and elected representatives in the near future to seek their views on how best to engage with local people and ask for their help in shaping plans as they develop.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/10/17/rwe-npower-plans-wind-farm-at-yorkshire-wolds-highest-point-cottam-airfield/