Villagers were due to hold a public meeting last night to voice their concerns over plans to develop a £40million windfarm in the Fens. They fear that up to 26 turbines could be built - with some standing up to 100 metres high, on land in and around Marsh

Villagers were due to hold a public meeting last night to voice their concerns over plans to develop a £40million windfarm in the Fens.

They fear that up to 26 turbines could be built - with some standing up to 100 metres high, on land in and around Marshland St James.

Residents have been sent an open letter from a group called The Renewable Energy Consortium of Marshland St James, which wants to build the windfarm in the village.

"We have looked into the possibility of building wind turbines on our land and it appears that it may be viable to do so," it says.

"Once the feasibility study is complete we will be able to say exactly how many turbines are proposed, how high they will be and how much power they will supply.

"The overall cost of the project will be around £40m, all from private investors."

Prior to last night's meeting - planned by protesters for the Jubilee Hall - Dave McGuffog, one of the organisers, said: "We understand 26 turbines could be built and we plan to form an action group against this.

"We are not anti-green, but these are going to be close to our homes and turbines are detrimental to people's health and house prices and it is not the sort of thing you want in your back garden."

No planning application has been submitted to West Norfolk Borough Council at this stage, but a mast measuring wind speeds has been installed on land in Marshland St James.

The consortium has said that representatives will be around the village asking for opinions and comments and answering residents' queries.