PLANS for new wind turbines in York have sparked controversy.

Several sites are earmarked in the city council’s new Local Plan, including between Bad Bargain Lane and Stockton Lane, in Heworth.

Local Liberal Democrat councillor Nigel Ayre said: “Local people will be deeply concerned about the impact these turbines could have on their area.

"In one breath the council cites the outlook from the A64 between Hull Road and Hopgrove towards the Minster as a unique area which defines the character of York, but in the next it plans to put 1,800 houses and 100-metre high wind turbines there.

“Renewable energy sites should only be considered in suitable locations and after extensive consultation with local residents.”

Labour’s Tracey Simpson-Laing, deputy council leader, said the Local Plan section on wind turbines was unchanged from the Lib Dems’ proposals in the previous Local Development Framework.

She said: “It seems that Coun Ayre is very keen to forget his own group’s policy, in opposition, when he thinks he can play political games with the future of York’s Local Plan.”

Martin Grainger, the council’s head of integrated strategy, said there would be an extensive consultation on the Local Plan and said the council wanted people’s views.

On the turbines, he said: “It is made clear in the document that proposals would only be allowed if it could be demonstrated that there will be no significant adverse impacts on landscape character, setting, views, heritage assets and Green Belt objectives and demonstrate benefits for local communities.”