Massive wind turbines planned for Bradford Estate

Six massive wind turbines which would be the tallest in the country may be built at an estate on the Shropshire border if planners agree.

An application has been lodged with South Staffordshire County Council for six new turbines within the Bradford Estate.

Estate chiefs have lodged the plans for the turbines which would be 413ft (126m) tall - two-and-a-half times the height of Nelson's Column in London.

Wind Prospect, which has submitted the proposal on behalf of the Bradford Estate, has said electricity generated from the turbines would be fed into the local distribution network for use in Shropshire and would provide power for more than 6,000 homes.

The controversial proposals have already sparked anger from nearby residents who claim the turbines would ruin the landscape if they are given the go-ahead.

Tony Lendon, chairman of the Stop Turbine Action Group based in neighbouring Church Eaton, said: "They're going to ruin the landscape.

"They are wanting to put six up and they will be the tallest in the country at 413ft to the top. It's one of the quietest wind areas in the country which is why they will be so tall. It will be a blot on the landscape."

Mr Lendon claimed wildlife would also suffer, while new access roads would need to be created.

He said: "There are about 20 people in our group and we are fighting this. We have been asked by both Blymhill and Church Eaton Parish Council to investigate and let them know what we think they should do and what their representation will be. We will be saying that it should be opposed."

The group will hold an open meeting on Wednesday at 7.30pm allowing local residents the chance to have their say.

Wind Prospect said residents had been consulted and that the project would include an annual contribution of £24,000 to a Community Trust Fund, which would be established to support community projects in the area.

Paul Grimshaw, development manager at Wind Prospect Developments Limited, said: "The project has been subject to detailed Environmental Impact Studies, which conclude that the site is suitable for a wind farm of this scale.

"Indeed, when considering proximity to houses, this site is one of the few in South Staffordshire that could accommodate a small wind farm."

No one at the Bradford Estate was available for comment.