Showcase for windfarm blueprints

Up to five 475ft turbines, each costing £2.5m, could be constructed on land on the western fringes of York to generate enough electricity each year to power about 8,300 homes.

The company behind the proposals, Banks Renewables, which is one of the country’s leading green energy firms, has launched a major consultation to glean the public’s views on the planned Hagg Wood wind farm.

However, there are reservations among people living near the proposed site on land owned by Askham Bryan College. Coun Paul Healey, who represents the Rural West York ward on York Council, revealed that he had been contacted by concerned residents who are worried the wind turbines would dominate the skyline.

He added: “The development is simply too big and too close to where people are living. The turbines would be bigger than York Minster and would ruin the views across the city. Why the company wants to build the wind farm on the outskirts of York astonishes me.”

Details of the planned wind farm will go on display in a public exhibition on Wednesday next week. The senior development planner at Banks Renewables, Justin Hancock, maintained that the public would play a key role in shaping the proposed development.

He said: “We’re very keen to hear ideas from local people about how they might like to see the scheme, should it be approved, provide support and funding for local community groups and initiatives, to help ensure that our presence has a tangible positive long-term impact.”