A PUBLIC inquiry into a controversial wind farm application will start tomorrow (Tuesday). The inquiry, which is expected to last eight days

A PUBLIC inquiry into a controversial wind farm application will start tomorrow (Tuesday).The inquiry, which is expected to last eight days, is for the proposal to build five wind turbines at a farm off Stoddens Lane, near Brent Knoll. The planning application was originally submitted by Ecotricity. Sedgemoor District Council rejected the proposals in August 2006 after receiving 210 letters of objection, but Ecotricity lodged an appeal against the decision in December. Petitions were also received from campaign group kNOll to Wind Farm and employees of Northam Farm, The Seagull Inn and Three Acres Caravan Park which were all against the proposals. A petition by Families for Clean Energy (FORCE) with 11 signatures was received in support of the scheme. The plans to build the wind farm on land to the north of Inner Farm include five 78.3m high wind turbines with 41m long blades, an electricity sub-station, access tracks and improved vehicular access from Stoddens Lane. The energy they would generate is estimated to meet the annual need of 10,041 households. The public inquiry will be held by the Planning Inspectorate and representations from Sedgemoor District Council, Burnham and Highbridge Town Council, Brent Knoll Parish Council and kNOll to Wind Farm are likely to be heard. The inquiry will open at 10am on Tuesday at The Princess, in Princess Street, Burnham.