GIANT 400ft wind turbines could be on the horizon for a scenic Sedgemoor village.

EDF Energy Renewables – which is bidding to build a third nuclear reactor just a few miles away at Hinkley Point – has outlined plans for nine huge wind turbines on land at Withy Farm in East Huntspill.

The proposal, which is still in its early stages, would see the nine two MW turbines to produce electricity for around 10,000 homes and save on carbon emissions.

Dennis Garry, EDF Energy renewables’ development manager for the project, said: “We believe the site is very suitable for this kind of development which could help lead the way in protecting our environment and provide clean emission free energy for our own and future generations.”

Consultation with villagers over the plans will start in the new year.

Ecological studies of the site have already started and EDF hopes to apply for planning permission to install a temporary meteorological monitoring mast at the site, to assess its viability.

Gordon Boyer, owner of Withy Farm, on Withy Grove in the village, told the Weekly News he had received mixed reactions from villagers about the turbines – some of which could go on his land.

The 52-year-old dairy farmer said: “Some people have said they think the turbines look pretty and others say they think it spoils the country side.

“I cannot see how they spoil the countryside myself.”

Mr Boyer said the decision to start talks with EDF over the wind farm were partly due to wanting to provide electricity for the village and partly down to financial reasons.

He added: “The way dairy farming is looking at the moment, I could be looking at selling up in a few years, but for the wind turbines.”

Bruce Poole, East Huntspill Parish Council’s clerk, told the Weekly News they did not want to comment on the wind farm until they had been presented with formal plans.

The proposal comes more than 18 months after a plan for five wind turbines on land near Brent Knoll was rejected.

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