DEVELOPERS behind a controversial wind farm proposal have announced a scheme to give nearby Purbeck households cash off their electricity bills.

Infinergy, who lodged revised plans to erect four giant turbines at the Masters Quarry site, Puddletown Road, East Stoke, earlier this year, have joined forces with renewable electricity supplier Green Energy UK.

The timing of the announcement comes just weeks before Purbeck District Council planning chiefs are set to rule on the Alaska Wind Farm scheme.

Under this latest announcement, the closest 200 households switching to Green Energy UK will become eligible for a £100 annual rebate.

Infinergy managing director Esbjorn Wilmar said: “In the three years that we have been consulting about our Alaska Wind Farm proposal, members of the public have regularly mentioned that they would like reduced electricity costs as a community benefit.

“We agree that residents should benefit directly from renewable energy projects near to them.”

The wind farm application sparked a mixed reaction locally, with some countryside campaigners – in particular members of The Campaign to Protect Rural England – vehemently opposed, while others, including the Purbeck Environment Action Team, actively championed the scheme.

Each turbine, 125 metres tall, would be nearly three times the height of Nelson’s Column.

Opposition group Dorset Against Rural Turbines say some homes are within 550 metres of the proposed site, and argue the noise of the turbines could drive them out. However, Infinergy chief executive Charles Sandham has insisted the plans are well within tough safety, health and noise regulations.

Fiona Graham of Green Energy UK said: “We only buy and supply electricity that has been generated by green and renewable technologies.”

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