Campaigners fighting plans for a controversial wind mast, which would be the tallest in Shropshire, are set to turn out in force for a meeting against the proposals.

Members of the Veto on Rural Turbine Expansion group (VORTEX) will be in Market Drayton tomorrow to show the strength of feeling against the mast plans by Nuon Renewables.

The energy company is looking to put the temporary 60-metre high wind mast on land near Norton-in-Hales, ahead of a possible plan to develop a wind turbine farm near residents’ homes.

Officers have recommended district councillors approve the scheme, despite almost 400 objections from campaigners and five parish and borough councils.

North Shropshire District Council’s development control committee will hold the meeting in the Festival Drayton Centre at 2pm tomorrow.

Today, a VORTEX spokesman said there would be a good presence from campaigners who will wear badges to show their support.

Banners against the wind mast application may also be put up and a group spokesman will address councillors in the hope of getting the scheme thrown out.

The spokesman said: “There may be the odd VORTEX banner about but we are looking to play it by the book. The fact they have called a special meeting is what you call local democracy at work.

“All of the district councillors have been written to with an emotional appeal to common sense.”

If North Shropshire District Council’s development control committee backs the mast plan, it would be a first for the area and the largest in the county.