CAMPAIGNERS protesting against wind farm proposals in north Suffolk are willing to join forces with another nearby village after it emerged they are facing a similar development.

By Sarah Chambers

CAMPAIGNERS protesting against wind farm proposals in north Suffolk are willing to join forces with another nearby village after it emerged they are facing a similar development.

Farmland around the old Flixton aerodrome, near Bungay, is being eyed up as the next possible site for a windfarm, it has emerged.

Enertrag UK, the British arm of a German company, is looking at the idea of siting six, 120m-high turbines just west of Flixton village.

The news comes as the nearby village of St James South Elmham continues to agonise over plans by Saxon Windpower for 10 similar turbines.

Last night, St James South Elmham resident Jane Bastow, co-chairman of VAITS – Villagers Against Inappropriate Turbine Sites – said: "When it first hit us, we were in absolutely gobsmacked. I think the people of Flixton are probably in their state of shock."

VAITS is vehemently opposed to the plans for St James South Elmham, and campaigners said they would also oppose the plans for Flixton, which lies about five miles away.

"We would give them every assistance," she said.

"Flixton is only five miles from us. We'll see them from here, the same as they'll see ours."

The group believes the turbines will destroy the look of the countryside, as well as being inefficient and too noisy.

Mrs Bastow said she was "fully expecting" to hear from people living in Flixton who had similar fears to their own.

"Everywhere they want them to go is beautiful, unspoilt countryside. Why not put them against the M25 where there's so much noise no one would notice them? We have no background noise here. There just isn't anything."

As well as other effects on the environment, they may also effect bird populations, she claimed.

Most of the Flixton area earmarked for turbines is under arable farmland, but the site also includes part of the old runway areas.

A report on behalf of Enertrag says: "Discussions with the landowners, who have reacted positively to the proposals, are ongoing. Once the wind farm is operational, agricultural use will continue."

The report says that because Flixton sits in a valley, people living there would have only an obscured view of the turbines.

But they would be seen from St Peter's Hall and nearby farms and roads.

The report, produced by consultants Posford Haskoning, says there would be talks with English Nature to ensure that the interests of wildlife were protected but adds that the area is not specifically noted for birds.

The turbines would be placed far enough from nearest homes to avoid any adverse effects of noise or vibration.

Phillip Kidner, chairman of the group parish council which represents Flixton, St Cross and St Margaret, said it was the first he had heard of the proposal.

"I'd want to see exactly where the turbines would go but I don't think it would worry many people in that area. It won't be so imposing as the one at St James."