People living close to windfarms in Powys could face a health risk as campaigners claim turbines are being built too close to people’s homes.

It comes as Powys County Council is expected to receive planning applications for more than 500 wind turbines. Campaign group Cadwriaeth Ucheldir Powys say studies have revealed many householders living near turbines suffer headaches, sleep deprivation and dizziness.

They have now called on Government officials to take action.

A spokesman for the group said: “Research carried out by health officials in the USA has shown that many people who live too close to windfarms go onto suffer sleep disturbance and, in some cases, ill health.

“We believe that there should be a review into safe set backs of at least two kilometres in line with other European countries. This Government treats us with extraordinary cynicism by allowing wind energy companies to build as close as 400 metres from our homes.

“We believe it is vital that a proper independent study, which is non-industry backed or influenced, of existing wind farms throughout the UK including Powys, should be undertaken now and not when the greater number of windfarms are built.”

He added that if studies did go on to prove that windfarms did cause long-term health effects, people should be entitled to compensation.

He said: “It is not hard to imagine that once the gold rush into wind energy is over and the county and indeed the UK as a whole has thousands more wind turbines constructed that greater numbers of ill effects may become prevalent.

“This would be costly in human terms and perhaps see huge compensation claims against the Government.”

John Evans, Powys County Council spokesman, said: “There are three strategic windfarm search areas affecting Powys. Two, Carno North and Newtown South, are in the county.

“The council has so far received or is about to receive 23 applications, consisting of 548 turbines, with many set to get the go-ahead under Government guidance.”