Pensioners fear wind turbine could disturb their peace and quiet

PENSIONERS living on a caravan park fear the peace and quiet of their rural retreat could be shattered by a wind turbine.

Stephen Wells wants to install a 44.9m-high turbine at Burton Fleming Grange farm in Burton Fleming.

But the generator would be just yards from elderly people who settled at Windmill Country Park caravan site for a relaxed retirement.

Site caretaker Denton Seed, 65, said many owners were upset by the scheme.

He said: "We've come up here for peace and quiet.

"There's no clubhouse here and there's no kids playground – it's for elderly people.

"They're trying to sell this product to us but it's 45m high and very close."

There have been other turbines proposed at the same site.

Mr Seed said: "Mr Wells has got planning permission for two other turbines already.

"I've been on the caravan park for the past six years and I've heard nothing about them.

"Last year a planning application went in for a new turbine 2m taller than the one he's put in for now.

"Everyone on the park objected to it and it was refused."

A notice of decision from East Riding Council planners from November 10 last year said that turbine would have damaged the Wolds.

It said: "The proposed turbine will introduce an uncharacteristic vertical element into a landscape that has no other large vertical structures.

"It is considered to be dominant in terms of its size, scale and location and therefore presents an unacceptable harm to this area of the Wolds."

Mr Seed believes the proposed new generator is still a risk.

The countryside around Burton Fleming Grange is rich in wildlife and he is worried about the impact a turbine might have.

Mr Seed said: "We've got bats, we've got a family of buzzards and we've got owls. Last year we had red kites.

"They regularly came scavenging up and down the road and they're a protected species.

"The wildlife up here will be under threat, without a doubt."

His neighbours have voiced concerns of their own.

In a letter to planners, Jack Shaw said: "This turbine would only be a few metres from the lovely, tranquil and peaceful Windmill Country Park.

"I spent my retirement money on a static caravan on the park and spend my time, and money, in the local village and beautiful Wolds area.

"I am sure Burton Fleming would lose many of the retired residents should this application receive planning permission."

Others agreed. Barry Heffernan told council planners the turbine would be "a huge eyesore and noise pollutant". He said: "Mr Wells seems determined to pursue his request for this monstrosity despite the feelings of the 85 caravan owners and residents.

"He seems to feel we are temporary visitors but, in actual fact, the site is open for 11 months of the year and is well populated most of the time.

"The Wolds are still a beautiful, tranquil place, please don't spoil them any more."

Another neighbour has started a petition against the development. It so far has 54 signatures.

And caravan site owner Daphne Brambles has written to the council with an objection.

She said: "I have not received any correspondence regarding the application.

"If a blooming great big turbine appears over the hedge, I can see owners packing up."

Mr Wells declined to comment.