Wind farm firm seeks residents’ assistance

The multi-million pound proposals to build as many as 14 475ft turbines on agricultural land close to Hunmanby, near Filey, have sparked outrage among residents, with hundreds of letters of objection submitted.

An application for a monitoring mast at Hunmanby was refused in April by Scarborough Borough Council, although Banks Renewables, the green energy firm behind the development, has said it will appeal against the decision.

Earlier this month, the company’s bid for a similar scheme – a 230ft wind monitoring mast at the village of Copmanthorpe on the outskirts of York, was also rejected.

Now, to try to revive the flagging Hunmanby proposals, Banks Renewables has announced it is setting up a community panel so local residents and businesses can meet to regularly discuss the scheme.

Banks Renewables development director Phil Dyke, said: “Feedback from local communities always plays an important part in shaping all the proposals that Banks puts forward, and we are looking to hold a number of events at which local people will be able to give their opinions and ask any questions they might have.

“Having the meetings chaired by an independent facilitator means participants can express their points of view without feeling that they will be prevented from speaking, and also helps to ensure that proceedings don’t stray off the agreed agenda.

“We hope as many local people as possible will get involved with this panel.”

Banks Renewables hopes the Hunmanby scheme will provide electricity for about 26,500 homes.

Anyone wanting to join the panel should contact Rachel Dowson on 0844 264 4508 before Monday July 8.