Turbine 'threat' to beauty spot

The views from Beacon Hill are popular with visitors

An East Midlands beauty spot is under threat by plans to build new wind turbines at the site, residents claim.

The two turbines would be used to power a security system for the country park at Beacon Hill, Leicestershire.

Hundreds of thousands of people visit the site every year, enjoying sweeping views of Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

Resident Iris Brown said: "It is visited by a lot of people every year and to have wind turbines is a monstrosity in a surrounding like this."

Iris Brown opposes turbines at Beacon Hill

However, councillors say the turbines are an environmentally-friendly source of energy and will help make the area more secure.

Peter Osbourne, from Leicestershire County Council, said the two turbines would be just a third of the size of turbines already in the area.

Beacon Hill, in Charnwood Forest, is 802 feet (244m) high, making it the second-highest point in Leicestershire.

The remains of a Bronze Age settlement are found near its summit.

Due to its archaeological importance, Beacon Hill is protected by English Heritage as a scheduled ancient monument.