Dismay over go-ahead for wind farm

Last year Selby Council’s planning committee rejected plans for the scheme to build five wind turbines, each more than 400ft tall, in the village of Cliffe, near Selby. But last week protesters learned that following an appeal a planning inspector has overturned the decision and ruled the project should be given the go-ahead.

The inspector recommended the it was given the go-ahead saying “the qualities of remoteness and tranquillity” that locals love about the area would not be significantly affected by the scheme

Coun James Deans, the council’s chair of planning said: “It is extremely disappointing that the decision of the planning committee has been overruled by the inspector. The decision will be particularly disappointing for the local residents, who will now have little alternative but to face the prospect of living in such close proximity to the development.”

Elsewhere, Craven Council’s planning committee has approved plans for a 45m tall turbine at West Thornber Farm, near Wigglesworth.