Winds of change

Published on 14th September 2006 in News

Plans for the controversial Sixpenny Wood wind farm have been altered, following concerns that have been raised by residents.

Developer Your Energy Ltd. had planned to build up to 16 wind turbines on land between Balkholme and Laxton, but revealed last week that it is now looking at building eleven 410-feet-high masts.

"Following extensive environmental studies and also being very aware of the concerns of the residents, it was felt that a reduction in size would benefit the overall wind farm design," said Matt Kelly, development manager for Your Energy Ltd.

Farm further from housing

"The removal of the five turbines will reduce the visual impact of the project, minimise the impact on landscape character, whilst still providing substantial benefits in terms of the supply of clean, renewable energy to up to 15,000 households."

Mr Kelly added that the revised plans mean that while the change will reduce the amount of clean, renewable energy produced by the scheme, the visual impact has been reduced by minimising the width of the wind farm and increasing the distance from houses.

Members of the public are invited to look at the plans for the Sixpenny Wood wind farm - which have yet to be considered by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council's planning committee - today, Thursday, September 14 at the Shire Hall in Howden, between 1pm and 8pm.

However, resident James Stevenson, who is chairman of opposition group Sixpenny Wood Not, is not happy that the plans are not being placed on show more locally.

He said: "I'm pleased Your Energy is holding a public exhibition, but I'm disappointed it has ignored our request to hold the exhibition in the immediate location, in Laxton Village Hall."

He added: "It's worrying this company hadn't thought this project through because if it had done, it would have known how many turbines it could fit in."

A spokesperson for Your Energy Ltd. told the Goole Times this week that the Shire Hall in Howden was chosen simply because parish halls in Laxton and Kilpin were not of a suitable size.