Residents speak out at wind farm inquiry

A WIND farm planned for the Howden area would "industrialise the landscape", it is claimed.

Residents living close to the proposed site voiced their fears at an inquiry into the plans.

They fear the turbines will create unacceptable levels of noise, disturb wildlife and ruin views.

The inquiry is being held to decide on the proposals for West Linton Farm in Brow Lane, Balkholme.

Your Energy wants to build the £25m wind farm on land south of West Linton Farm in Brow Lane, Balkholme.

It is appealing against East Riding Council's refusal to grant planning permission.

Appearing at a planning inquiry into the proposals, Dr Nigel Wilkinson, of Eastrington Parish Council, said: "These high turbines are completely out of scale for the landscape.

"This is industrialisation of the landscape. It's unprecedented in a flat, rural area to have such a big development with turbines just 700m from nine dwellings.

"One of the biggest concerns raised by residents is the effect on wildlife. Turbines can kill birds and bats and we have a number of protected species living close by."

Councillor Paul Robinson, who sits on East Riding Council's planning committee, warned that allowing the development to go ahead would open the door to other wind farms.

He said: "Unless a line is drawn in the sand on the scale of wind farms in close proximity to residences, I fear for some communities in the East Riding."

Noise expert Mike Barnard, representing opposition groupSixpenny Wood – Not, criticised the noise assessment carried out by Your Energy.

He said: "The noise assessment accompanying this application contains a number of serious errors."

The inquiry, being held at Goole Council chambers, set to finish tomorrow.