East Riding of Yorkshire Council has refused an application by Three Oaks REP Extension Ltd to build six 492ft-high wind turbines at Thornholme Fields, near Burton Agnes in East Yorkshire, over concerns they would harm historic landmarks, villagers' homes and military radar.
The proposed structures would have dominated the rolling Yorkshire Wolds landscape, which inspired some of the late artist David Hockney's most celebrated paintings. The Bradford-born painter, who died in June aged 88, regularly travelled along Woldgate to his studio in Bridlington and painted the area repeatedly, including in his acclaimed 2011 iPad series The Arrival of Spring, created over six months.
Planners cite harm to historic landmarks
In a report giving five reasons for its refusal, council planners warned the development would cause "a high level of harm" to some of the area's most treasured landmarks. These included Burton Agnes Hall, its Grade I-listed gatehouse, All Saints Church in Rudston and the ancient Rudston Monolith.
The plans also included a 300ft-high meteorological mast, underground cables, transformer kiosks, crane pads and access tracks. Developers had argued the scheme would produce enough renewable electricity to power roughly 24,000 households each year.
Villagers welcome decision
Rob Booth, 58, a resident and member of campaign group Keep Wind Off Woldgate, said: "We are all so relieved - the phones in the village were alive when we heard the decision. We did so much work to raise our concerns about this wholly inappropriate development, so it's a very welcome decision - but it's still not properly sunk in yet!"
Booth added: "The field that would have hosted the wind farm bordered Woldgate, an ancient lane made famous by David Hockney who painted it many times when he lived here. I think he would be very relieved - like us - that the plans are not going ahead. It's a really special little area and the windfarm would have blighted it for generations to come."
Developer responds to refusal
Mr Hockney himself had opposed wind turbines in the area, describing them as "big ugly things". He said: "I certainly wouldn't paint them. They are unnatural. People should stand up for themselves and say no to these things if they don't agree with them."
A spokesperson for Three Oaks REP Extension Ltd said it is "disappointed" by the decision, adding: "There is an urgent need to accelerate the delivery of renewable energy infrastructure, and decisions such as this risk slowing progress towards a low-carbon energy system, greater energy security, and lower energy costs. Since 2014, the case for homegrown energy, national investment and meaningful community benefits has only grown stronger. These principles are at the heart of our approach to the Three Oaks Extension. We recognise that infrastructure projects can have local impacts, which must be carefully considered and balanced against the wider need for clean, secure, and affordable British energy."
The developer said it will consider the council's decision "before determining our next steps".
