PLANS to build two 250 foot tall wind turbines on green belt land in Ockendon are being opposed by residents.

A petition with almost 50 signatures from residents living in Hamble Lane and Eriff Drive South Ockendon has been passed to the council, after plans to build the turbines on a former landfill site and land belonging to the Ockendon Academy were lodged with the council.

The giant windmills would provide renewable energy to The Ockendon Academy and also a direct supply to the National Grid, enough to power 500 homes.

The applicant, Rural Arisings Ltd, is also promising to pay the Little Belhus Trust Fund forum £10,000 out of any income made.

But residents aren’t happy. In a letter to the council, Mariella Petralia said: “I urge the Council to protect this precious local rural landscape and reject this application, as this is likely to lead to many applications for similar developments around the area.

“This visual impact would compromise the landscape character.”

Chris Baker, Ukip councillor for Ockendon, said: “This is not what the residents want, or what they asked for. We think if local people oppose this decision they should have the opportunity to oppose it.”