FEARS that Hambleton district might be subject to extensive wind farm developments have been downplayed by planning officers, who say the idea is only one of many being considered.

Concerns were raised after a report identified the district as being a prime spot for the wind farms.

The report, commissioned by the Yorkshire and Humber Assembly and the Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber, said Hambleton had the potential to produce 40 megawatts of energy from wind power - the equivalent of 20 turbines.

This was the highest figure given to any area in North Yorkshire, with the county itself scoring higher than South or West Yorkshire.

Campaign group Revolt (Rural England Versus Overhead Lines Transmission) called for people to object to wind farms in the area.

Chairman Mike O'Carroll said members were concerned that Hambleton was being unfairly targeted for developments, and were worried about the potential effects on the countryside and residents.

He said: "The visual effect on the natural landscape would be devastating, and there is a real risk of devaluing people's homes. The turbines are three times the height of electrical pylons and have been known to reduce house prices by as much as £50,000.

"A lot of people think that wind farms will help save the planet, but that is a misconception because they are actually quite useless. As an energy source, they are so unreliable that there always has to be a back-up system, which is usually inefficient and dirty.

"The wind is free, but the back-up system is not. It also diverts attention and resources away from more efficient sources. If we are serious about trying to save the planet we wouldn't waste time on wind farms, we would concentrate on transport, waste management and consumption."

No specific sites have been identified for the turbines.

Mick Jewitt, head of planning policy and economic development for Hambleton District Council, said there were no plans to build wind farms, and the aim of the report was to obtain community feedback.

He said: "Our local development framework raises issues about all sorts of things, including sustainable energy. The figures in the report are based on work at regional level just to show the capability of the area. But this energy capability doesn't necessarily translate into wind farms.

"We are required by the Government to look at renewable energy sources, but it is premature to consider building wind farms as information is just being gathered."

The local development framework has been sent out to parish councils, local groups and individuals to get feedback on a range of issues which will shape Hambleton up to 2010.

"The framework is a vision for the future of the district, and we encourage people with views on any of the issues, including wind farms, to respond," said Mr Jewitt.

Revolt also encouraged people to make their views known via the framework consultation.

Full information on the framework is available from council offices, on www.hambleton.gov.uk or by phoning 01609 779977. Representations must be received by next Friday and can be made in person or on-line.