January 27, 2014
England

Wind farm near Burton Agnes Hall in East Yorkshire is refused

By Angus Young | Hull Daily Mail | January 27, 2014 | www.hulldailymail.co.uk

Plans for a four-turbine wind farm have been rejected because of its likely impact on one of East Yorkshire’s best- known historic stately homes.

The wind farm had been earmarked for farmland near Fraisthorpe, within sight of Burton Agnes Hall.

The hall dates back to the late 16th century and is owned by the Cunliffe-Lister family, including Susan, the Lord Lieutenant of the East Riding.

But East Riding planning councillors rejected the application by Airvolution Energy Limited after hearing an objections from English Heritage, as well as nearby residents.

The national conservation agency said: “In our view, the development would cause substantial harm to the significance of Burton Agnes Hall and the gatehouse.”

Standing on rising land just outside the village, the Elizabethan era grade one listed building is regarded as one of England’s best- preserved manor houses.

The hall is already close to the largest wind farm in East Yorkshire, in Lisset, where 12 turbines operate.

Councillor Margaret Chapman, who represents the East Wolds and Coastal ward, said the visual impact of more turbines even closer to Burton Agnes Hall would be too much.

“It is beginning to look as though everyone is putting these things up in the East Riding, and in my ward in particular. They are springing up like mushrooms and I think it’s time to say enough is enough. Another four would be four too many.”

Councillor Chad Chadwick said he was concerned about the number of recent road accidents near the Lisset wind farm, which is next to the main A165 road to Bridlington.

He said: “Over the past six months, there have been four cars that have ended up in the dyke right next to the wind farm.

“You see it every time you drive on that road. They distract drivers.”

Forty large-scale turbines are either operating, have planning approval or are currently being proposed for the area between Driffield and Bridlington. They include plans to add another five turbines to the wind farm at Lisset.

Councillor John Whittle said the open landscape and character of the Wolds was in danger of becoming cluttered with wind farms.

He said: “This has to stop. Some people talk of reaching a tipping point, but I’m afraid the tipping point has already been tipped.”

Resident Mark Evany, who spoke against the scheme at this week’s planning committee, said he agreed with the view that a wind farm would ruin the setting of Burton Agnes Hall.

But he also argued that its impact on local residents and businesses should not be underestimated.

He criticised council planning officers for not visiting any nearby properties ahead of the application going before the committee.

Mr Oliver Freer, the agent for Airvolution, said English heritage’s concerns had been “overstated”.

He said: “There would be no noticeable change to the setting of Burton Agnes Hall. There would be no serious harm.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/01/27/wind-farm-near-burton-agnes-hall-in-east-yorkshire-is-refused/