CAMPAIGNERS have lost their fight against plans to build a wind farm in East Yorkshire.

The application to build five huge turbines on land near Sancton, close to Market Weighton, was passed at a planning meeting despite vigorous opposition from locals.

Applicant, Cornwall Light and Power (CLP), had their initial plans rejected in March 2009, but the blueprints were re-drafted in a bid to address the reasons for their previous failure.

Initial objections, including the visual impact, conservation problems and aviation concerns, have now been considered.

A nearby six-turbine wind farm planned at Sober Hill in North Newbald, which was given planning permission in March this year, was also taken into account.

The Sancton turbines will stand at 328 feet each and reportedly generate enough electricity to power thousands of homes.

The plan was passed by 12 votes to three, with planners saying there was little point in rejecting the scheme only for such a decision to be overturned on appeal.

Matt Partridge, the company’s development director, said: “We have a national energy policy which has to be met and we can only partly fill that gap by using less power.”

The planners’ decision was a bitter blow to Sancton Wind farm Action Team (SWAT) which was formed in opposition to the scheme.

Sancton resident and SWAT member, Tony Williams, said: “The result was most disappointing, but I guess it was inevitable in all the circumstances. Personally, I would have preferred the planning committee to demonstrate the strength of their hearts by rejecting the application and thereby showing support for the views of the local community.

“On a more encouraging note, we understand that one of the consequences of that decision is that CLP will be required to make what is in effect a compensatory payment to the local community, to be paid to and administered by a community trust fund.”