Objection to wind farm whipped up

Objection to wind farm whipped up

The wind turbines could be 81 metres in height

Opposition is growing to a wind farm in Oxfordshire that has yet to be built after its supporters suggested the size of the turbines should be increased.

Planning permission has already been granted for five turbines at West Mill Farm near Watchfield.

Local supporters of the project are now hoping to change the models earmarked for the land to larger devices reaching 81 metres.

But opponents say the plans are not practical for the proposed area, and will be visible for over 15 miles.

There should be more people in favour of the turbines than not, and in this case I really don¿t believe that is the case

Lydia Otter, resident

Local planners and people for and against the wind farm will be attending a public meeting on Friday night.

Supporters say the bigger turbines could provide about 40% more energy, which could supply electricity to about 9,000 people.

Farm owner Adam Twine also believes the new design will be quieter.

But resident Lydia Otter thinks the plans are fundamentally flawed.

'Electricity minimal'

She told the BBC: "It the hugeness of the turbines - they are 81 metres high which is two thirds of the size of the Didcot cooling towers.

"We are a group of people who are just very concerned about the potential impact of the wind turbines on our landscape and on our lives.

"There is also noise issues for local residents and the fact that the turbines will produce so little electricity," she said.

"There should be more people in favour of the turbines than not, and in this case I really don¿t believe that is the case."