A HUGE wind turbine which would have stood taller than York Minster will not be built on a main road into the city, councillors have decided.

The 78 metre high turbine, planned for Ivy House Farm at Kexby, was refused planning permission by City of York councillors last night.

Cheers and applause erupted from a packed public gallery when the planning committee voted not to let Easingwold-based EDP put up the turbine - which it said could have generated enough energy for 600 homes - close to the A1079.

The councillors were following advice of planning officials, who said the turbine would be inappropriate in open greenbelt land.

Worried neighbours, the York Outer MP Julian Sturdy, and ward councillor Jenny Brooks all spoke against the plan citing concerns about noise, visual impact, flicker and strobe effect from the rotating blades, a danger to wildlife, and the intrusion in to the greenbelt as reasons why it should not be allowed.

The developers had argued that the need for renewable energy meant the turbine should be welcomed.

Voting against the scheme, Cllr Paul Doughty said he has serious concerns that approving the Kexby turbine could set a precedent and "open the floodgates", but others including Cllr Tracey Simpson-Laing said York would have to allow wind a turbine to meet the need for renewable soon.