South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon has urged residents to write to the district council with their views on a proposed wind farm at Tivetshall St Mary. About 150 people attended a public meeting this week, called by the parish council, to discuss Enertrag UK's plans to develop six wind turbines at a site in New Road, in the rural community near Diss.

South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon has urged residents to write to the district council with their views on a proposed wind farm at Tivetshall St Mary.

About 150 people attended a public meeting this week, called by the parish council, to discuss Enertrag UK's plans to develop six wind turbines at a site in New Road, in the rural community near Diss.

The potential impact on the countryside and disturbance of Roman remains were among the concerns raised by residents, none of whom spoke in favour of the scheme.

Mr Bacon, who was unable to attend due to prior commitments, sent a statement that was read out at the meeting.

He stressed that he was not opposed to the greater use of alternative energy sources, and believed the UK should do more to exploit alternative methods of generating energy. But it is his opinion that wind farms should be constructed out at sea where they will not be so much of an eyesore.

“I believe that industrial-scale wind turbines which are four to five times the height of a typical parish church are not suitable in a gentle, rural landscape. Unlike traditional windmills, which were constructed on a human scale - and indeed which were occupied by people - these new industrial wind turbines will not blend into the rural landscape but instead be a blight upon it,” he said.

The parish council called the meeting before formulating its response to the proposed wind farm, as part of a 'scoping opinion' that Enertrag has requested.

Chairman Graham Mills said the issues raised were similar to those of other south Norfolk communities where wind farms are planned.

“It was the impact on the environment: archaeological - as it is right in the middle of a Roman site - and the normal things like noise and shadow flicker.”

The scoping opinion establishes what issues Enertrag will need to address in its environmental impact assessment, as part of the planning application.

Mr Bacon has indicated in his letter to South Norfolk Council 35 issues he believes should be taken into account. And he is urging residents to follow his example, and send written comments to the planning authority. Letters should arrive by April 11.