‘Flower power’ turbine gets thumbs down

Plans to draw attention to a new business park by painting a wind turbine to look like a giant daffodil have fallen foul of locals, who say it will distract drivers.

By The Newsroom

Published 24th Mar 2015, 15:42 BST

Horncastle Group is seeking permission to paint the tower at Green Park, near Newport, just off the M62, green, the blades yellow and the hub orange, claiming the daffodil colours “signals renewal and new life.”

But Newport Parish Council say the 78m turbine won’t only look bad, but the colour yellow attracts the most insects - potentially harming insect-feeding birds.

Chairman of the parish council Roy Hunt said: “I believe turbines are intrusive enough as they are and if you make a feature of them they will be a distraction to people driving along the motorway and could be hazardous to life.”

Planning officers are recommending the plans - due to be discussed at County Hall, Beverley tomorrow - for refusal. In a report developers said it was a shame innovative ideas were “culled before they have a chance to flourish.”

M62 County Hall