Objectors to plans for Cornwall's biggest wind turbines at Trerulefoot are welcoming a decision that a study of the environmental impact of the project must be carried out.

The Government Office for the South West (GOSW) has ruled the company behind the project must carry out a full environmental impact assessment (EIA).

W H Bond and Sons wants to erect three turbines, each 81 metres tall at the highest tip of the three blades, on farmland it owns.

The company has twice challenged the need for the assessment.

We feel it's really important that all environmental impacts are known Doctor Simon Fullalove

Company secretary Alison Bond said she will be discussing the GOSW's decision with National Wind Power, which would install and run the windmills, before making a final decision on the EIA.

"Once we have spoken to them we will decide on a way forward," she said.

"We are certainly looking at the steps we need to take and whether that is one of them."

But Doctor Simon Fullalove, the spokesman for the objectors, is pleased about the decision.

"We feel it's really important that all environmental impacts are known before any project goes to the next stage of planning," he said.

"Thoroughly assessed"

Originally the Bonds had plans for five turbines at Bake and Trerule farms, but they reduced that to only three turbines after the GOSW said the proposal for five required a full EIA.

The head of development and building control at Caradon District Council, Keith Rolfe, said the company should accept that a full assessment is needed.

"They ought to go through environmental assessment regulations," said Mr Rolfe.

"If there is potentially going to be major impact on an area of the countryside, it needs to be thoroughly assessed."