PLANS for wind farms in East Yorkshire have been criticised by an MP whose has branded them “costly and largely useless”.

Greg Knight, who represents the region in Westminster, said energy companies should be focusing their efforts on offshore facilities rather than trying to install turbines in the countryside.

It was revealed last week that Scottish Power is considering putting up to 26 turbines on more than 1,700 acres of land between Hornsea and Skirlaugh. The biggest wind farm in East Yorkshire is currently at Lissett, which has 12 turbines.

“When wind farms are erected, our countryside views are destroyed,” said Mr Knight. “Energy companies should be required to give priority to exploring offshore wind farms and we should also be exploring the greater use of wave power.”