CONTROVERSIAL plans for ten wind turbines on the Yorkshire Wolds are being recommended for approval by Ryedale District Council planners today.

While 380 letters of objection have been sent to the council, 552 have been written in support of siting a RWE Npower Renewables Ltd wind farm at Ling Hall Farm, West Heslerton.

Objectors claim the development will blight the landscape, that the turbines produce little power when assessed against the harm they create, that the turbines will create shadow flicker and damage the local tourism industry, and they will be seen from as far away as Scarborough, the Vale of Pickering and the North York Moors.

Members of the UK Independence Party are planning to protest before today’s meeting.

However, supporters say the proposal is a step in tackling climate change and will produce clean energy, and that no adverse noise, vibration or shadow flicker will be produced by the development.

The turbines will be 80 metres high to the hub, and a maximum height to blade tip of 126 metres.

Planning officers said in a 100-page report to the committee: “Despite its elevated position on the Wolds, it is considered that the effects on the wider landscape, including the Vale of Pickering, the National Park and the Howardian Hills, would not be significant.

“Therefore it would be difficult to defend a reason for refusal in the event that the scheme went to appeal.”

The council’s planning committee is holding a special meeting to decide the scheme at 6.30pm at Norton College.