The firm, Star Energy had applied for permission to build the crop of turbines along with a gas storage facility, near Welton.

It has withdrawn its planning application to consider objections from both the Ministry of Defence and English Nature.

Officials at Star Energy say they still intend to resubmit the application.

'Environmental crown'

Steve Taylor, from AGAST, a campaign group against the plans said: "The company Star Energy have said that this is part of an integrated energy scheme which involves wind turbines, gas turbines and gas storage.

"So, to take what was their environmental crown out of their integrated energy scheme leaves the whole lot looking rather disintegrated."

Star Energy plans to pump gas from the national distribution system and store it near their site for resale.

Residents fear that 15 billion cubic feet of gas stored over a mile underground and near many houses could have been dangerous.