Sober Hill Wind Farm proposal wins East Riding appeal

The indefensible stance of East Riding of Yorkshire Council's planning committee was highlighted once again as yet another wind farm that was refused consent by the council gained government approval after a public inquiry assessment.

Last year the council turned down plans for six turbines at Sober Hill Farm near North Newbald on the grounds it would harm the area's natural beauty. Energy company West Cost Energy appealed against the decision and a public inquiry began in December.

A spokesperson for the Department of Communities and Local Government said: "Having weighed up all the relevant considerations, the Secretary of State concludes that the factors which weigh in favour of the proposed development outweigh its shortcomings.

"He therefore does not consider that there are any material considerations of sufficient weight to justify refusing planning permission."

Since 2007 East Riding's planning committee has refused to grant planning consent to eight wind farm proposals. All five decisions taken to public inquiry so far have been overturned with planning consent subsequently granted. Of the three outstanding, one is currently at another public inquiry while the developers of the remaining two are considering whether to launch appeals also.

The Sober Hill Wind Farm will be able to supply green electricity to 8,000 homes when it is completed.