Six-turbine wind farm refused by East Riding Council

A proposed six-turbine wind farm near Burton Agnes has been refused planning permission after concerns over heritage, the landscape, local residents and military radar.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council refused the application by Three Oaks REP Extension Ltd for turbines at Thornholme Fields, Rudston Road, Burton Agnes.

The scheme included six turbines measuring up to 149.9 metres to blade tip, alongside a meteorological mast, underground cabling, access tracks and associated infrastructure.

In its decision dated October 26, the council identified five reasons for refusal, including the impact on historic landmarks such as Burton Agnes Hall, its Grade I-listed gatehouse, All Saints Church in Rudston and the Rudston Monolith.

Planners also raised concerns about the lack of archaeological information, the turbines’ visual impact on the Yorkshire Wolds Important Landscape Area and their cumulative effect alongside the approved solar farm and existing wind farms at Lissett and Fraisthorpe.

The authority concluded the turbines would appear overbearing from a number of nearby homes and could interfere with air defence radar at RRH Staxton Wold, as well as obstruct low-level military flying operations.

The decision was welcomed by KeepWindOffWoldgate (KWOW), which campaigned against the development.

A spokesperson for the campaign group said: “KeepWindOffWoldgate (KWOW) is delighted that East Riding of Yorkshire Council has refused planning permission for the proposed six wind turbines at Thornholme Fields, near Burton Agnes.

“We are really grateful to the Council’s Planning Department for taking the time to consider this complex application and the many concerns raised about its impact on our local area.”

The group said it recognised the importance of renewable energy but believed it must be developed in appropriate locations without unacceptable harm to heritage, landscape and local communities.

KWOW also thanked supporters who submitted objections and said the decision demonstrated that local voices mattered.

The council said the public benefits of the proposal were insufficient to outweigh the harm identified. It also concluded there was not enough archaeological evidence to assess potential damage fully.

The application included an Environmental Statement, which the authority considered before reaching its decision.

Three Oaks REP Extension Ltd has been asked for comment.