The plans could see a 10 turbine windfarm built

It was revealed Saxon Power is putting forward a �12m plan for a 10 turbine windfarm on the old Metfield Airfield, at St James, near Bungay, on the Suffolk and Norfolk border.

Now a group - Villagers Against Inappropriate Turbine Sitings - has been set up to oppose the plans.

On Friday, St James villager Jane Bastow said the protest group was planning to elect its executive committee on Thursday, 11 September at the village hall.

We are caretakers of this environment and they have no right to destroy it St James villager Jane Bastow

Mrs Bastow said: "The villagers are very positive about this campaign. We are firstly concerned about the noise from a windfarm.

"Although they keep telling us there will be no noise, we don't believe them.

"We are also concerned about the destruction of the landscape and the loss of footpaths and bridleways which a lot of people use.

"Another worry is the area is a habitat for birds such as skylarks, barn owls, and also pipistrelle bats."

Mrs Bastow, who has lived in the village for 11 years, added: "We are caretakers of this environment and they have no right to destroy it."

Swaffham in Norfolk already has a wind farm

The windfarm scheme, which is in its early stages, could provide electricity for about 24,000 homes.

A formal planning application is likely to be made later this year and then the plans will go out to local consultation.

If plans are approved the windfarm could be up and running by 2005.

Earlier this week, Bill Richmond, who is a director of Saxon Windpower, told BBC News Online the windfarm will be quiet and a valuable resource to provide power without harming the environment.

He said the Ipswich-based company would want to work with local people in developing the windfarm.