CAMPAIGNERS step up their fight against plans for a 86 metre wind turbine in Coleford.

Full details of the proposed mast at Poolway Farm have been revealed with the submission of a planning application, prompting protesters to take action.

The Dean Forest Crosswinds Group is planning to hit the streets to leaflet drop, canvass support and raise awareness of the turbine and its impact.

Campaigner Jeanne Wilson said: "We've got two main jobs. One is to make sure all the people in the area directly affected by the turbine make their objections known to the planning authority.

"It was obvious in our public meetings that the overwhelming majority are against the turbine, now we want them to object in writing. The second is to say to the rest of Coleford and surrounding parishes 'don't ignore this – you could be next'.

"The developer has told us he wants to see a line of turbines stretching from Coleford to St Briavels.

"The developer has publicly made it plain that this is just a beginning."

Mike Thomas, chairman of the group, added: "We believe that if this planning application were to succeed, Coleford would be the loser while the developer and the manufacturer would walk away with the equivalent of a big lottery win.

"This sort of scheme is not about saving the world from global warming, it's about making money from a small market town and giving little or nothing in return." Entrepreneur Ronald Kear wants to put up the turbine which will sit about 400 metres from the nearest houses.

He said: "I've said all along, the plateau between Coleford and St Briavels is an ideal place. You can't build wind turbines where there's no wind.

"The group haven't really given any specific reason for their objections, but if they want to object they should contact the council and do it through the proper process, which is what I've done all along."

Mr Kear said the turbine will be built by German firm Enercon and is one of the quietest on the market.

The planning application has been submitted to Forest of Dean District Council and should be publicly viewable in the next few days, once officers validate it.

To look at the plans visit www.fdean.gov.uk.