Liberal Democrat Councillor Nigel Ayre is calling for answers over proposals to construct wind turbines across York.

Some of the turbines are set to be constructed on land to the west of Woodthorpe, Westfield and Acomb

Details of the scheme have emerged as part of Labour run City of York Council’s Local Plan. The proposals, which were announced earlier this month, would also see 22,000 new houses built in York over the next 15 years.

After questions from Lib Dem Councillors, it can now be revealed that locations across York have been earmarked as potential sites for ‘Renewable Electricity Generation’.

An area outside the outer ring-road, has been highlighted as being potentially suitable for commercial wind development with council maps plotting large (2.5MW) and medium (1.5MW) scale wind turbines in the area.

Large turbines are typically 75 to 100 metres tall.

Councillor Nigel Ayre, Liberal Democrat Councillor commented:

“Details of Labour’s plans are slowly beginning to emerge after I questioned officers earlier this week.

“Renewable energy sites should only be considered in suitable locations and after extensive consultation with local residents. The Council should be exploring all options such as expanding on-site renewable energy generation at its own buildings, the ‘Combined Heat and Power’ (CHP) scheme set-up in Birmingham, and doing more to help residents who want to install solar panels and energy-saving improvements.

Instead, it just seems to be randomly plotting these sites on a map before even engaging with the local community.

These developments could have a huge impact across York and in the coming weeks I and my fellow Lib Dem Councillors will be working with local residents to ensure their views are listened to.”