Anger at wind turbine plan on land that inspired David Hockney

PLANS for a 45m wind turbine in the heart of Wolds – which has inspired artist David Hockney – are being opposed by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

The owner of Tuft Hill Farm in Woldgate, near Bridlington, has already installed a 34m turbine in the same area after it was granted on appeal.

East Riding Council had rejected the original turbine due to the impact it would have on the Wolds countryside.

Now, there is further opposition and concern raised by the MoD, English Heritage and the Humber Archeology Partnership.

An MoD spokesman said: "The turbine will cause unacceptable interference to the radar at Staxton Wolds.

"The probability of the radar detecting aircraft flying over or in the vicinity of the turbines would be reduced and the RAF would be unable to provide a full air surveillance service in the area of the proposed wind turbine."

English Heritage is concerned the turbine is close to a number of important sites and could have a detrimental visual impact.

In submitting comments, the organisation said: "The application site is adjacent to a number of scheduled monuments and listed buildings and the Kilham Village Conservation Area."

English Heritage is calling for the application to be deferred as it does not feel there is enough information.

Humber Archeology Partnership has echoed English Heritage's concerns and is asking for a geological survey to be carried out to provide more information about the impact of the proposed turbine.

Rudstone and Burton Agnes parish councils have also opposed the application, believing the turbine would spoil the view along the ridge of the Wolds and are concerned because there is already a turbine on site.

But there has been support for the application with more than 20 neighbours backing the plans, claiming that there is an vital need for renewable energy.

In the design statement, landowner Harrison Farms said: "The second turbine would ensure that the energy needs of the farm are met in the long-term, as well as the aspirations of the Harrison Farm business be carbon neutral overall.

"The turbine would provide a number of economic and environmental benefits, enabling the business to absorb the energy demands resulting from its recent expansion.

"The business is also under pressure to introduce sustainable sources of energy linked to an agreement it has with a local growers' co-operative."

The first turbine was rejected by East Riding Council planners, who feared it would intrude on views across the countryside.

But, following a public inquiry, planning inspector David Pinner said the turbine's impact on the area would be "slight". Read the full story at scfwindturbine web.