RETFORD'S landscape could significantly change if plans for a wind farm on the outskirts of town are given the go-ahead.
An application for a 10 turbine development has been made by Renewable Energy Systems Ltd at Crow Holt near the two tiny north Notts villages of Grove and Headon.
And wind energy company bosses believe the site is ideal for siting 10 towers, capable of generating enough pollution-free power in a year for over a quarter of Bassetlaw's homes.
"We believe that the location is ideal for a wind farm," said Renewable Energy Systems Ltd project manager Nick Bristow.
"It has so much going for it. It catches the wind well and it is far enough away from homes and close to the local electricity grid."
"Britain is the windiest country in Europe, so why not put all that energy to good use."
Parish council spokesman for Headon, Grove and Treswell, David Landon, said that although RES was claiming that the majority of local residents were in favour of the development, he believed opinion was divided.
"The proposals have been discussed by the parish council, but there will not be an official view until it goes before Basseltlaw planning officers," he said.
And at an exhibition at Headon Village Hall last week, residents were able to meet with representatives from RES and study displays of their proposals.
Company media officer, Anna Stanford, said the main concerns from people living closest to the site were over the possible effect on house prices.
"We have no evidence to suggest that would be the case. Most people who live close to wind farms say that isn't so," she said.
"We are finding that with concerns over the environment uppermost in many people's lives, wind power is becoming increasingly popular."
Mr Landon said that opinion on the wind turbines would always be divided.
"You either like them or you don't," he said.
"I believe that the development would impact on most of Grove, but to a lesser degree in Headon."
"If it goes ahead it will certainly alter the appearance of the landscape and will be visible from all around the area in villages like Rampton and East Drayton."
RES said that they were keen to listen and discuss their ideas in response to local concerns, both during and after the exhibition.
And in a few weeks time local residents will be able to comment on the scheme when it goes before planning chiefs next month.
And if it is given the thumbs-up, construction work should start in 2006.
Situated on farm land, the turbines would still allow normal farming to continue and there would be no need for more overhead power lines.
"And it would be making a significant local contribution to a cleaner environment," added Anna.