A PUBLIC inquiry continues today (February 20) into proposals for four wind turbines in West Huntspill.

The Planning Inspectorate is looking into Sedgemoor District Council's decision last April to reject the project by Ecotricity.

The inquiry, taking place at the Princess Theatre in Burnham, continues until Thursday.

Among the hall full of people attending the inquiry was Richard Kellaway, a member of the No Huntspill Wind Farm action group.

Richard, from Woolavington, told the Weekly News: "I'm worried if this project goes through that it could set a precedent for other wind farm companies to move in on our beautiful countryside.

"It's certainly an issue people get very passionate about. I just think wind farms are a blight on the countryside and a waste of money."

Also attending today's inquiry was concerned resident Stan Howlett, from Old Pawlett Road, West Huntspill.

He told the Weekly News: "I live about 550 metres away from the proposed site. The application has already affected the price of our property.

"I'm also concerned about the affect the turbines will have on the view, the landscape and noise.

"We searched for our home for two years and it was so perfect. Now I don't know what will happen."

Campaigners from the No Huntspill Wind Farm action group have released a blimp 400ft into the air at the peak height of the proposed turbines, near the site south of Poplar Farm where they would be built.

Ecotricity, which says the project would produce enough energy to power the equivalent of 6,769 homes, says Black Ditch is still an appropriate site for a wind farm of this size.

It added if the project is granted permission, Ecotricity would allocate £9,200 every year, which local people can apply for – a total of £230,000 over the 25-year lifespan of the turbine.

A further hearing, which was due to take place at Bridgwater town hall on March 7, has been postponed until May 7 and 8. This will discuss the landscape part of the inquiry and was put back due to an unexpected bereavement of a close relative of one party’s witness.

Keep up with the inquiry today by following Weekly News reporter @Mercurykjames on Twitter - use the hash tag #windfarminquiry.