INDEPENDENT consultants have warned that a proposed wind farm would bring about "a significant change" to the landscape, with "out of scale" turbines.Suffolk Preservation Society commissioned consultants from the Landscape Partnership to carry out an independent assessment of Saxon Windpower's controversial plans to erect six 100m wind turbines at Parham airfield, near Framlingham.

INDEPENDENT consultants have warned that a proposed wind farm would bring about "a significant change" to the landscape, with "out of scale" turbines.

Suffolk Preservation Society commissioned consultants from the Landscape Partnership to carry out an independent assessment of Saxon Windpower's controversial plans to erect six 100m wind turbines at Parham airfield, near Framlingham.

The consultants suggest that smaller wind turbines, or even a single "landmark" structure, should be considered for the proposed site.

The report says: "The relationship between visual impact and turbine size is not directly proportional and the disparity of scale as seen in local views of the wind farm would have significant detrimental effects on visual amenity.

"We would argue that the turbines would be out of scale with the landscape grain in the immediate area even though they may superficially suit the airfield scale."

They suggest that smaller structures may be easier to integrate at Parham, and that a reduction in the number of turbines be considered.

Richard Ward, director of the Suffolk Preservation Society, said the group would object to the scheme following receipt of the report.

As well as the impact on the landscape, the society was also concerned about its impact on the setting of various buildings, including Glemham Hall and Parham Hall, and on Parham conservation area, he said.

Saxon Windpower said it had not yet seen the full response by Suffolk Preservation Society, and that it would therefore be "inappropriate to comment".

Most parish councils who have responded to Suffolk Coastal District Council's consultation on the proposals are opposed, including Marlesford, Bruisyard, Little Glemham and Stratford St Andrew. They raise a number of concerns, including fears about the visual impact, noise and flicker.

Parham Parish Council described the application as "flawed" and benefits in the form of an energy efficiency grant of £110,000 to the area as "derisory".

The Environment Agency said its support for the proposals reflected "the urgent need to tackle climate change".

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and Suffolk Wildlife Trust say they support the mitigation measures proposed in the application, and English Nature and the Ramblers' Association have raised no objections. Defence Estates says it has "no concerns" about the turbines.

The district council has so far received 232 letters against the proposal from residents, and 70 in support of it.