AN energy company behind a failed bid for a wind farm high above the Yorkshire Wolds has responded to the Secretary of State's decision to block their plans.

RWE nPower had their plans for ten 126m turbines at East Heslerton between Malton and Scarborough finally refused on Wednesday after a long planning wrangle which saw it first refused by Ryedale District Council, the approved by a planning inspector, then finally refused again by the Secretary of State.

But the company has criticised the decision as bad for the local economy, and said it will consider the situation before deciding what to do next.

Dr Corinne Weaver, RWE Innogy UK’s developer for East Heslerton, said: “We are very disappointed that East Heslerton Wind Farm has been refused planning consent, which is against the recommendation of the Public Inquiry’s planning inspector.

“This now creates significant delays and uncertainty for this project and may prevent £23 million over the lifetime of the project being invested in local contracts and a further £100,000 investment in local community projects each year.

“The construction and operation of East Heslerton would make a significant contribution to reducing the effects of climate change and strengthening the UKs energy security.

“We remain committed to the project and shall now scrutinise the exact reasons for Eric Pickles decision before deciding how to proceed.”