Campaigners have successfully halted plans to erect six wind turbines in the Yorkshire Wolds, an area celebrated for its natural beauty and famously captured in the work of late artist David Hockney. The proposed 492-foot turbines were to be situated at Thornholme Fields near Burton Agnes, East Riding of Yorkshire, adjacent to Woldgate, an ancient lane frequently depicted in Hockney’s paintings.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council rejected the development proposal, citing concerns over potential damage to the landscape, the impact on local residences, and interference with military radar systems. The decision was welcomed by residents and local campaigners, including Rob Booth, a 58-year-old member of Keep Wind Off Woldgate. Booth described the council’s ruling as a major relief for the community, emphasizing the significance of preserving the area’s character for future generations.

Hockney, who passed away in June at 88, often drew creative inspiration from the woods and fields surrounding Woldgate, traveling the route to his studio in Bridlington. The artist was known to oppose the installation of wind turbines in the region, referring to them as “big ugly things” that could mar the landscape.

The developer behind the project, Ridge Clean Energy, highlighted the scheme’s potential to produce 25.2 megawatts of electricity, sufficient to meet the annual consumption of approximately 24,000 households. Despite these claims, local opposition and environmental considerations ultimately influenced the council’s decision.

Efforts to obtain comment from Three Oaks REP Extension Ltd, associated with the project, were unsuccessful. The ruling underscores ongoing tensions between renewable energy development and conservation efforts in areas of cultural and environmental importance.