Having a say on North Newbald turbines

By [jscottow]

CAMPAIGNERS against plans for a wind farm in the East Riding argued the scheme would destroy the Yorkshire Wolds landscape.

Members of the public were given the chance to have their say on the proposed development at Sober Hill Farm in North Newbald, near Market Weighton, yesterday at a public enquiry in County Hall in Beverley.

West Coast Energy appealed against the council's decision to reject its application for a six turbine scheme.

It was refused on the grounds it would harm the area of outstanding natural beauty.

Dennis Parker, who designed the 24-mile walk around the southern Yorkshire Wolds known as the High Hunsley Circuit, spoke on behalf of Yorkshire Wolds Heritage Trust.

He said: "The proposed turbines would be uncomfortably close to the Yorkshire Wolds National trail which is used by numerous walkers throughout the year.

"The skyline is the worst and most obtrusive location for wind turbines where they would seriously damage views of the attractive countryside."

Peter Ayling, representing the East Yorkshire and Derwent Ramblers, said the organisation's stance was to support renewable energy but that "wind farms should not be constructed in and around valued scenic areas".