A planning application has been submitted for six giant wind turbines on near to Bridlington on the Yorkshire Wolds, prompting fierce opposition from residents who say the development would transform one of the county’s most iconic landscapes.
The proposal, submitted by Ridge Clean Energy as an extension to the approved Three Oaks Renewable Energy Park, would see six turbines erected on farmland near Woldgate, between Burton Agnes and Rudston. Each turbine could reach almost 150 metres (492ft) in height – close to the height of the Humber Bridge towers.
The wind farm forms part of the wider Three Oaks Renewable Energy Park, which already includes consented solar and battery storage proposals. According to the developer, the hybrid renewable energy scheme would generate enough electricity to power around 24,000 homes each year while helping the UK achieve its net zero ambitions.
Ridge Clean Energy says the project would include associated access tracks, underground cabling and supporting infrastructure, with temporary improvements to the A614 required during construction. Subject to planning approval, work could begin in 2028, with the company also proposing a community benefit fund worth around £5 million over the lifetime of the development which is understood to be over 40 years.
However, the proposals have sparked a determined campaign from local residents under the banner Keep Wind Off Woldgate, who argue the turbines would have an unacceptable impact on the nationally recognised landscape made famous by the late artist David Hockney who live in Bridlington for many years.
The group says East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s own pre-application assessment described the area as “highly sensitive” and concluded the development would cause harm to the landscape, heritage assets and living conditions, with those impacts significantly outweighing the scheme’s benefits.
Campaign spokesman Rob Booth said residents were “absolutely appalled” by the suggestion that turbines of this scale could be accommodated within the landscape without significant adverse effects.
He said campaigners remained concerned about the visual impact on the Yorkshire Wolds National Landscape, the setting of the Rudston Monolith and the historic Burton Agnes Hall, local wildlife, tourism and the internationally recognised scenery immortalised in David Hockney’s Woldgate paintings. The group is encouraging residents to submit objections during the planning consultation. The deadline for submissions is August 20.
East Wolds and Coastal ward councillor Denise Howard has also voiced concerns, describing Woldgate as “one of the most recognisable landscapes in Yorkshire” and warning that the area is central to the local visitor economy because of its links with David Hockney, Burton Agnes Hall and the Rudston Monolith. She said she supports renewable energy “in the right place”, but believes this is not the right location.
In response, Ridge Clean Energy maintains the project has been carefully designed following environmental and technical assessments and says combining wind, solar and battery storage at Three Oaks would provide secure, low-carbon electricity while making efficient use of existing grid infrastructure. The company says the development would make a significant contribution to regional renewable energy generation and the UK’s clean energy targets.
The planning application will now be considered by East Riding of Yorkshire Council following public consultation, with residents able to submit comments before a decision is made.
Keep Wind Off Woldgate has two further public meetings planned.
Rudston Village Hall on Friday 7th August and Kilham Village Hall on Tuesday 11th August. Both start at 7pm.
Facebook page: Keep Wind off Woldgate.
