The majority of the residents of Chapmanslade are up in arms at the proposal to build a nearly 90m gigantic wind turbine only 0.7 km. from the edge of the village.

Whilst no-one who is concerned for the future of our planet is against renewable energy, it would appear that the people who support wind turbines are sadly unaware of both their inefficiency and the health risks to those who live nearby.

To give one example: a turbine in this particular area would fail to produce any viable amount of power for 80 per cent of the year due to the low wind speeds so there would have to be fossil fuelled back-up to deliver the consistent energy required by the National Grid.

Current research into their effects on human and animal health is showing an alarming increase in the detrimental factors such as sickness, sleeplessness and hearing problems.

Besides its domination of our skyline and many of our village by-ways and footpaths, the views both to, and from, Cley Hill, our local and much-loved heritage site, would be irrevocably marred by this industrial feature.

Wiltshire has so far resisted peppering its beautiful landscape with turbines and has thus maintained its unspoilt, natural beauty, that people come from all over the world to see. Granting this totally inappropriate application will open the floodgates for the rest of our lovely county. Let us sincerely hope that Wiltshire Council will recognise the serious duty they have to preserve our heritage.

Mrs Dawn Collins, Chapmanslade.