Wind turbine public inquiry opens

More than 1,000 residents have joined a group to oppose Nuon's proposals

A public inquiry into plans for the building of seven 360ft(110m) wind turbines has been opened in Shropshire.

Opponents gathered at the Victory Hall in Woore, near Market Drayton, to protest against plans for the wind farm near Norton-in-Hales.

Nuon UK Ltd said the turbines could produce enough energy for 6,000 homes.

North Shropshire District Council turned down the plans last September after receiving more than 2,000 letters of objection from residents.

Councillors on the Shropshire authority's planning committee said last year that the turbines would have "an unacceptable adverse impact" on listed buildings nearby.

'Hoping and praying'

More than 1,000 local residents have joined a group, Vortex, to oppose Nuon's proposals.

Steve Ellesmore, who works on a farm near the proposed site, said he was "hoping and praying" the plans would not go through.

He said: "We have visitors to the farm who have come to appreciate how beautiful the countryside is - that would really change if this unfortunate project ever went ahead.

"To me, I think it's something that I couldn't bear."

Graham Davey, from Nuon, said the firm believed the application for the wind farm was "justified."

He said: "There is some concern locally about noise. We feel that that is addressed and is something that won't be a problem.

"We acknowledge that (the turbines) are very visible, but we feel that they are justified and that they provide good, green, renewable energy."