NATIONAL Air Traffic Services (NATS) has become the latest organisation to lodge a formal objection to a proposed 10-turbine wind farm near East Heslerton.
The UK’s most senior airspace management body has written to Ryedale District Council warning of ‘serious safety risks for air traffic’ as it could interfere with radar at Claxby in Lincolnshire.
Plans to build the 126-metre high turbines, which could produce enough electricity to power almost 10,000 homes, were submitted by RWE npower renewables last April, and led to hundreds of complaints from residents and the creation of opposition groups.
Revised plans were submitted on May 1 with the consultation period ending this Friday.
Paul Stephens, a local farmer and spokesperson for Heslerton Wind Farm Action Group (HWFAG), said: “People should be under no illusion that RWE npower renewables are seeking to build an industrial scale wind farm. These turbines will be situated on some of the highest points of the Yorkshire Wolds and will tower over the Vale of Pickering at a combined height of over 1,000 feet in places.”
Mr Stephens said that more than 90 per cent of neighbouring parish councils oppose the scheme.
The planning application was originally due to be determined last summer, but no date is currently set for a decision.
Martin Wood, RWE npower renewables developer, said talks with NATS had identified a solution to the radar problem.
“Subject to the details of this proposal being finalised, NATS has confirmed its intention to withdraw its outstanding objection to the proposed scheme,” he said.
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