The approval of 5 industrial wind turbines close to some of the most tranquil locations in the District shows a lack of appreciation of the value of our open countryside around Selby.  It might not be classified as an area of outstanding natural beauty, it might not be a National Park  - but we do have some very attractive countryside and people are justifiably proud to live in such places. People living in nearby towns enjoy visiting such places for pleasure and recreation. 

The five turbines will be over twice the height of the test mast which has been clearly visible from Selby bypass for the last three years. The turbines will be in addition to Drax, leading to expansion of the industrialised areas.  The Cleek Hall turbines are 25% higher than those already operating at Rusholme. 

'It is my belief that Selby District can make a major contribution to the generation of renewable energy but that we can do this without covering the district with industrial wind turbines.'  This is what I submitted as written comment to the inquiry and it is a big disappointment to me that the Inspector appears to have completely disregarded the massive contribution that Selby District is already making towards achieving renewable energy targets. Wind turbines are described as sustainable - but the subsidy on which the turbines depend is not sustainable - there is a limit to how much extra can be added to electricity bills to pay the subsidies.

For a detailed analysis of the decision see http://www.stopwoodlanewindfarm.co.uk/news64cleekhall.html