A PLAN to set up a 130ft pole to measure the force of wind on North Yorkshire moorland could pave the way for a wind farm.

National Wind Power has applied to Harrogate Borough Council to install a temporary anemometer on piece of land bounded by the A59 Harrogate Skipton road and Penny Pot Lane, west of Harrogate.

When members of the council's Ripon area planning committee meet on June 3 to decide the issue they will be recommended to give approval for the measuring equipment.

But planning officer Andy Hough says it should only have temporary permission for two years.

The site, which is an exposed upland plateau, is part of a large area which could be turned into a wind farm with eight turbines.

The land is used for grazing and there is a public right of way across it.

The site is close to the Nidderdale designated Area of Natural Beauty. But Mr Hough is stressing the temporary installation does not form part of an application for a wind farm.

He said the equipment was needed to assess meteorological conditions to evaluate the suitability of the site. The pole would be supported by four sets of guy wires, secured to ground anchors. Information from the anemometer would be collected monthly.

Felliscliffe Parish Council has yet to express a view on the issue to the council.

But there has been one letter of objection from a neighbour, saying "investment in our property would be seriously compromised".

The site is close to the American surveillance base at Menwith Hill