Father tells of health fears over turbine

A number of residents and a parish council are objecting to plans for a 60m high wind measuring mast which could later see a 125-metre (410ft) structure on land north east of the Muntons Malt plant, near Sewerby, within the Flamborough Heritage Coast.

Planning officers at East Riding Council are recommending approval of Wind Energy Direct’s plans at a meeting in Beverley on Thursday.

However Richard Dibb, who owns Grange Farm Cottage around a kilometre away – just over half a mile – has written to the council to voice his concerns. Mr Dibb cites the case of a North Lincolnshire windfarm plan which was rejected on appeal last year because of the “serious effect” it would have on eight-year-old autistic twin boys living nearby.

He said: “I don’t know whether it will affect our son Daniel or not but I am frightened because he’s doing so well at school and I wouldn’t want that jeopardised. It’s not that a turbine particularly bothers me from an aesthetic point of view. It just really is our Daniel.”

In a report officers conclude: “Given the slim line nature of the structure and that consent is only sought for a limited period, the development is considered to have an acceptable impact on the landscape character of the area.”

But Bempton resident David Hinde says the mast, which will supply electricity to Muntons, would set a “dangerous” precedent. Another developer is looking at building six 20m high turbines at Danes Wood Farm, Sewerby.

Mr Hinde is urging the committee to follow the example of Scarborough Council, which refused proposals for a monitoring mast in Hunmanby. He said WED’s proposals would lead to “further industrialisation of this sensitive area.” Flamborough Parish Council voted to oppose the plans on Monday.