CAMPAIGNERS in a village near Selby say they are hopeful an appeal against a wind turbine will be refused.

Plans to install the 87 metre tall turbine close to the A63 on land off Butts Lane, Lumby, near Sherburn-in-Elmet, have been protested against by local residents and councillors since they were first announced last year.

The plan was refused by Selby District Council, as the location was considered to be on green belt land, and after villagers hired specialist consultants to argue for the case to be refused. However, the applicant - haulage contractor Richard Walker & Sons- has appealed the decision, and it has been called in by the office of the Secretary Of State for Communities and Local Government , Eric Pickles.

Doug Fletcher, who lives in Lumby, said: "The village heard about the proposal last year in July 2013 and the villagers have already endured over a year of worry, we do not know how much longer it will be before we know the final decision. But we do know we are up against a determined developer who sees this as a money making scheme.

"I thank all those who have been involved with the campaign and sincerely hope we will win the battle in the end. It is not only an issue about this particular turbine, the decision will have importance for other turbines in Green Belt."

Nigel Adams, MP for Selby and Ainsty, said: "The turbine was refused planning permission by Selby District Council for good reasons and it is disappointing that the applicant has decided to appeal the decision taken by the elected representatives of Selby District.

"I have been very impressed with the way in which the villagers are trying to stand up for their community and hope that they are successful in making their case against the turbine."

A preliminary decision date for the appeal has not yet been announced.