Residents applauded enthusiastically after a strong majority of North Yorkshire councillors recommended Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove dismisses Harmony Energy’s expansive proposed clean energy scheme on the fringe of Old Malton. Most councillors said while they wholeheartedly supported efforts to increase renewable energy schemes in the area, they remained unconvinced the proposed site off Great Sike Road was the only alternative place.
He implored the committee to reject the proposal, saying it would “destroy everything I have worked my entire life for”. Mr Sturdy said: “The crops need good soil to thrive. Food production is as important as energy production.” He told members in a good year his land, much of which had been graded as being of a top quality for agriculture, produced enough crops to produce one million loaves of bread and their decision would be a defining moment for the sector.