MPs in Dorset have condemned a Liberal Democrat minister’s proposals for 32,000 more wind turbines.

Chris Huhne said they were needed because Britain was falling behind targets for renewable energy.

Conservative MPs in Dorset already fighting schemes said the idea was “illogical” and the result of a “fashionable consensus”.

Britain currently has 3,000 onshore wind turbines. Mr Huhne wants 6,000 to 10,000 more onshore, and up to 25,000 offshore, with many visible from land.

Eneco currently plans to build 150 to 240 turbines in Poole Bay, around 10 miles from Bournemouth, and eight miles from Swanage and Christchurch.

Purbeck District Council has approved a turbine near Tolpuddle and two appeals are to be heard next year over wind farms at Silton, near Gillingham, and at Master’s Pit, near Wareham.

Terry Stewart, president of the Dorset branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England has written to all the county’s MPs urging them, and the Conservative Party, to fight Mr Huhne’s plans.

Bournemouth West Conor Burns said: “I fear we are in the grip of a fashionable consensus.

“Changing the Government’s energy policy is sadly not in my gift. But I will use whatever influence I have to ensure that if these things are put in our bay they will be put somewhere that does not destroy the magnificent view enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.”

South Dorset MP Richard Drax said: “My view is simple – I don’t like them. We should have our energy provided by nuclear power.

“It’s essential we are self-sufficient without being at the mercy of some countries that produce fossil fuels.

“Wind Turbines will be antiquated in a few years because much more efficient renewable sources like tidal power will be developed.”

North Dorset MP Bob Walter said: “Dorset is the most illogical place to put wind farms because the wind doesn’t blow enough.”

He said the only reason people wanted to build wind farms is because of the subsidies involved.