A GROUP of villagers have combined forces to oppose plans by turkey giant Bernard Matthews to build five wind turbines near one of its sites in Suffolk.

A GROUP of villagers have combined forces to oppose plans by turkey giant Bernard Matthews to build five wind turbines near one of its sites in Suffolk.

Westhall Wind Watch, which has been formed in an attempt to stop the proposal going ahead, says the rural landscape would be spoilt and describes the planned turbines as an “industrial invasion”.

Members say they fear the turbines, which could stand up to 100m high, would impact negatively both on the environment and the quality of life for people living miles away from the site, at Holton's disused airfield near Halesworth.

The group's spokesman Adrian Simpson-James said: “The proposals for the Holton airfield would bring no benefits to Waveney, and would make only a minute contribution to the region's renewable energy targets - just enough power for 1000 electric kettles. Against this they would create a massive visible scar on many hundreds of square miles of open countryside, changing the character of the area for ever.”

He added: “Already plans for two turbines at Kessingland have been approved following a judicial review, and there are proposals for 12 more at Ringsfield and Barsham. If all these are built there will be 19 wind turbines in Waveney. The district council stands at a crossroads; it will either keep to its policy of conserving the rural character of the area, or it will allow the creeping industrialisation of an unspoiled part of the county through damaging piecemeal developments.”

A statement issued by the company said: “Bernard Matthews appreciates that people within the community hold different views and opinions on the proposed wind turbines at Holton, and we believe informed debate is an essential part of the consultation process.

“The company remains committed to developing renewable energy and supporting the aims of the government's Renewables Obligation. Wind energy is a clean, abundant and proven resource and it is also affordable. Wind farms can provide Bernard Matthews with a long-term buffer against energy price fluctuations, as well as demonstrating our proactive attitude towards emerging environmental challenges such as climate change.”

It added: “As a key regional employer, it is important that Bernard Matthews continues to invest in building a sustainable business for the future.”