PLANS for giant wind turbines in North Dorset will again go before district planning chiefs.

Members of North Dorset District Council’s planning committee will hold a special meeting to consider a second application from green energy firm, Ecotricity, at the RiversMeet Centre in Gillingham.

Hundreds of people are expected to pack the meeting in a repeat of the hearing in July 2009 when Ecotricity’s application to build six turbines at Silton, near Gillingham, was turned down.

The green energy giant, which supplies power to blue chip firms including the Body Shop and the Co-Op, has now applied to build four turbines at the same site.

Planning committee chairman, Cllr Bill Batty-Smith, said extra time had been allowed prior to the hearing to gain all pertinent facts.

Planning officers are expected to publish their report on the application on Tuesday February 15.

A presentation of their findings will open the hearing on Tuesday March 1.

Officials from the Highways Agency, the Environment Agency and town and parish councils will have their say before pressure group, Save Our Silton, make their presentation.

Ecotricity has been allocated a 20-minute slot to try and persuade councillors of the case for the turbines before an expected audience of 280 people.

People wishing to attend should contact NDDC by 4pm on Friday February 25. Call 01258 484370.