A group of villagers have got together to oppose plans by Bernard Matthews to build five wind turbines near its Holton plant.Westhall Wind Watch, which has been formed in an attempt to stop the proposal going ahead, says the rural landscape would be spoilt.

A group of villagers have got together to oppose plans by Bernard Matthews to build five wind turbines near its Holton plant.

Westhall Wind Watch, which has been formed in an attempt to stop the proposal going ahead, says the rural landscape would be spoilt.

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.

The group's spokesman Adrian Simpson-James said that the surrounding land adjoins an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the Blyth Valley Special Landscape Area.

He said the group supported the principle of renewable energy but believed that onshore wind power was an “ill-conceived and unreliable” option.

The company said: “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. Windfarms 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.”