Local Residents Launch Campaign Against Proposed Wind Farm at Woldgate

A community-led battle has commenced in the Woldgate area near Bridlington as residents and local representatives unite to oppose plans for a potential new wind turbine development.

The campaign group, Keep Wind Off Woldgate, has been established to raise awareness regarding the potential impact of the proposed project on a landscape famously immortalised by the artist David Hockney.

The proposal, which is expected to be put forward for planning permission by the Oxfordshire-based developer Ridge Clean Energy, involves the construction of six wind turbines. Standing at nearly 500ft tall, these structures would be the largest permissible and have been compared in height to Blackpool Tower.

The plans first came to light last summer when the company held a series of drop in events outlining it's proposals for the expansion of an already approved solar farm in to a larger renewable energy project.

Ridge Clean Energy claims the turbines would produce 25.2MW of green energy which is as much as 24,000 homes use in a year based on the average household usage in the area.

The company says:

"The new proposal aligns with the Government’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan to develop homegrown energy that will reduce household bills, ensure the UK is energy independent, and make more efficient use of existing grid infrastructure.

Subject to planning permission, the wind turbines could be operational before 2030, generating as much clean electricity each year as is used by over 24,000 homes."

"Located next to the approved Three Oaks solar farm between Thornholme and Haisthorpe, this project would create a hybrid renewable energy park, maximising spatial and infrastructure resources to contribute most effectively to the UK’s ambition to becoming a clean energy superpower."

Concerns Over 'Industrialisation'

Opponents argue that the turbines would be situated in a culturally and visually sensitive area, right on the edge of the proposed Yorkshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Councillor Denise Howard, who represents the East Wolds and Coastal ward, has been a vocal critic of the plans, describing the proposed turbines as "carbuncles" that would be "visible for miles around".

Councillor Howard highlighted the cumulative impact of energy projects in the region, noting that Ridge Clean Energy already holds planning permission for a "massive solar farm" across the A614 at Haisethorpe. "These two projects would totally industrialise a huge swathe of land," Councillor Howard asserted, suggesting that if the developer were truly aware of the landscape’s sensitivity, they might consider placing such projects closer to their own headquarters in the Cotswolds.

A Community United

The Keep Wind Off Woldgate group is comprised of residents from across the area, including those from Rudston and Haisethorpe, who farm, work, and live in the shadow of the proposed site. Members emphasize that their opposition is not a rejection of green energy itself, but rather a protest against the specific scale and location of this project.

• Environmental Impact: The group fears lasting harm to wildlife and ecological value.
• Heritage and Tourism: Concerns have been raised about the impact on the historic character of the landscape and its appeal to visitors.
• Visual Amenity: Due to the elevated position of the site, the group claims the turbines would permanently alter distinctive views and open countryside.

Michelle Foster, a resident of Rudston and a supporter of the campaign, spoke of the emotional and generational importance of the land. “You cannot put a price on this unique landscape, and once it is gone, it is gone!” she said. She urged others to join the campaign to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the "historic and idyllic spot".

Seeking Constructive Dialogue

Despite their firm opposition, the administrators of Keep Wind Off Woldgate, including residents Robert Booth and Lyndsey Bowman, state they intend to engage constructively with planners and developers. The group maintains that protecting the countryside and supporting sensible renewable energy are not mutually exclusive goals.

Their primary aim is to ensure that the voices of local land users are heard and that the proposal is scrutinised against the "realities of the local landscape" rather than "generic policy claims".

Marjorie Glasgow BEM, Chief Executive Officer of Ridge Clean Energy, commented:

“We have greatly enjoyed working with the communities of Burton Agnes and Carnaby, and by adding turbines to the already-consented solar project, we know we can do so much more locally.

By integrating wind and solar at the Three Oaks site, we are not only responding to the renewed political support for onshore wind. This extension represents a meaningful step toward carbon reduction and ensures that the local community is well-placed to claim the long-term benefits of the energy transition.’

While Ridge Clean Energy was expected to seek planning permission in January, it is now anticipated that the formal application will be submitted next month.