A forest of wind farms – producing a massive 13 times more eco-power than stringent government targets – could be thrust on the area, campaigners fear.
The key Yorkshire and Humber Regional Spatial Strategy requires the district to produce 32 megawatts of grid-connected renewable energy by 2021.

But if all turbine and similar green schemes proposed win support, the area's output will reach a staggering 400mw.

Campaign to Protect Rural England members have now called for action to reduce the "greatly excessive" number of bids currently lodged with planning chiefs.

Chairman Dr Guy Woolley, of Barkston Ash, said: "The CPRE doesn't have an issue with renewable energy – in particular wind turbines.

"However, a large swathe of Selby district is in danger of becoming a forest of wind turbines, wholly at the expense of the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of the area.

"We need to use a little bit of common sense on this issue and say enough is enough."

Plans are in the pipeline for 14 turbines at Wood Lane near West Haddlesey, seven near Hambleton and nine near Byram.

Added to those are applications for a 15-turbine Pollington plant and five more at Cliffe, as well as an already-approved development near Rusholme.

Further new initiatives could include a 290mw Drax renewable energy power station and anaerobic digestion site at Selby's former Tate & Lyle plant capable of generating 8mw more green electricity.

Dr Woolley, who helped build Europe's largest coal-fired station, continued: "Given permission, this would produce turbines from the A1 to Drax and further beyond, most of which are 125 metres tall – that's bigger than cooling towers at Drax, Eggborough and Ferrybridge power stations.

"The RSS gives indicative targets clearly set out by the government – and they should be adhered to."

Dr Woolley's views were this week backed by Tory election choice Nigel Adams, also pictured, who met the CPRE chief to discuss the issue.

"I'm not against green energy, but we have to draw a line somewhere.

"The Drax scheme and the anaerobic digester will provide more than Selby's share of green power. I'm pleased the CPRE shares my view."

From Selby Times