AN OFFICIAL opposition group to the planned wind farm near Rooksbridge is due be formed this evening.

The proposals for six 140-metre tall turbines at Pilrow have been opposed by residents in the area, with many arguing they are too big.

Over 100 people turned out for a meeting at the Wellington Arms, Rooksbridge, last week to discuss the proposals by Broadview Energy Ltd.

On the back of that, steering group ‘No Pilrow Wind Farm’ said a mandate was given to set up an official opposition group.

One of the founding members of the group, Nick Woolmington, said: “We decided we didn’t want this in our village and there’s no doubt about it, there’s a huge majority that oppose it.

“We are opposed on the general principle that we don’t think it’s the right place for it. I could list a whole range of reasons why we think it’s wrong, but the main concern is that there will be six huge turbines, each one taller than Brent Knoll itself.

“The visual impact will be tremendous on the local community, along with noise and an impact on wildlife and the ecology of the place.”

But Olly Buck, development manager at Broadview, said the images were inaccurate. He said as they were in the early stages of project design they did not have a site layout to show where the turbines would be positioned, or their model, or height.

He said: “As part of our detailed studies, we commission experienced landscape and visual architects who generate accurate predicted views of the site layout once it has been designed.

“The predicted views comply with long-established best practice methods using specialist software which ensure an accurate representation of how the wind farm might look.

“It is evident that the images produced by No Pilrow have not benefited from any such expertise or software.”

He added: “Wind farms have a very important role to play in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and contributing towards Government aims of tackling climate change and decarbonising the power sector. “ • The inaugural meeting takes place at the Wellington Arms, at 7.30pm today (Thursday, July 14).

• Broadview has already held consultations with residents and is set to hold more later this month.

• Residents will have the following opportunities to meet the Broadview team: • Thursday 21st July at East Brent Village Hall, from 2:00pm to 8:30pm • Friday 22nd July at Mark Village Hall, from 12:00pm to 8:00pm • Saturday 23rd July at The Stables Business Centre, Rooks Bridge, from 10:00am to 2:00pm • Details of consultations are available on the project website www.pilrowwindfarm.com, the Support Pilrow Wind Farm Facebook page.