PLANS to install giant wind turbines at Escrick Park Estate have been withdrawn. This has delighted objectors who argued that these modern windmills were an unacceptable blot on a fine landscape.

The wind farm has been scuppered not for aesthetic reasons, but by the RAF. Top brass said it would interfere with their radars.

The scrapping of the turbines has pleased one group of environmentally-minded residents. But another group - campaigning against noise pollution caused by low-flying military aircraft - may regard the RAF's successful intervention with an ironic smile.

Updated: 10:22 Tuesday, February 22, 2005