CONTROVERSIAL plans to build three wind turbines at Honda’s Swindon plant went under public scrutiny in South Marston yesterday.

Dozens of villagers inspected the diagrams and quizzed company officials at South Marston Village Hall during the first of two public exhibitions on the proposals.

Honda – which is working on the project with green energy firm Ecotricity – claims that building the 120-metre tall structures would cut carbon dioxide emissions, but some residents have raised concerns.

Colin McEwen, the chairman of South Marston Parish Council, said some villagers were opposed to the scheme because it would create noise for down-wind homes.

He also said it would create a “stroke effect”, meaning the blades would block the sun for momentary intervals at certain times of the day.

He claimed about 30 homes on the north-western side of the village would be worst affected.

“I would not be in support of the plans as they stand,” he said.

“You don’t normally get turbines of this size so close to residential areas.

“The visual impact will depend very much on the conditions of the day. We will have to have a good look at the noise parameters.”

John and Lynda Coyle, of Highworth Road, who have lived in the village for 27 years, believe they would probably be the closest residents to the turbines – living only 600 metres away.

Mr Coyle said: “The factory itself is already quite noisy when the wind is blowing from west to east, but the turbines are going to further increase the noise levels at our property.

“The next question is whether this is going to be detrimental to the value of the private properties.”

“There is nothing I can change by making comments because it is inevitable. If everyone in the village objected, it might make a difference but, personally, I think it is inevitable.”

John and Eileen Lester, who have lived in the village for 45 years, said they would be able to see both the Watchfield and Honda wild farms from their home in Nightingale Lane.

Mr Lester, 77, said: “It would have a devastating effect on the village.

“The people who are living next door to it will be affected and I think it is disgraceful.

“Would the managing director of Honda have it right next to his house?

“Solar power or hydro-electric power would be better.”

Mike Godfrey, the chief engineer for the environment for Honda Manufacturing UK, said the turbines would be quieter than older models, and studies had found noise would be within Government standards.

The next exhibition will be at the Meadowcroft Community Rooms in Addison Crescent, Upper Stratton, on Wednesday, June 30, between 2-7pm.