WEYMOUTH Civic Society has objected to plans for a huge wind farm in Portland Harbour.

Energy company Powergen Renewables announced last year that it wanted to build up to 12 offshore wind turbines 100 metres high to provide energy for the whole of Weymouth and Portland and has launched a consultation process in the area.

Chairman of the civic society John Reeby said one of the main reasons for rejecting the scheme was the visual impact the turbines would have on the landscape.

He said: "The famous view of Portland from, and including, the magnificent Dorset Coast, would be destroyed by structures towering to a height almost equal to that of the Portland land mass.

"This is one of the most splendid and unique areas of scenery in England which should, we believe, be the last place to be considered for wind turbines.

"There are a number of other considerations which would seem to be of serious concern. In addition to the large local bird population which includes swans and geese, this is also an important migration route for birds.

"Ten or 12 huge rotating turbines directly on this route could cause serious disruption and put bird life at risk."

He said the society was also worried that Portland Harbour and Weymouth Bay's renowned popularity for sailing and water sports may be prejudiced if the blades of the turbines created turbulence in the water.

Mr Reeby added that pollution of the harbour and the Fleet could result from the disturbance of sediments during construction work, the breakwaters could suffer structural damage and the residential areas nearby, including Rodwell and Wyke Regis in Weymouth as well as Portland, could suffer from noise nuisance from the blades.

He said: "If land-based wind farms are to be built there are many areas of the country with adequate wind conditions that are of no special character or visual quality, with little or no tourism and only small scattered populations.

"Of all the potential locations in the country Portland Harbour must be one of the most inappropriate possible."

Powergen is asking for the views of more than 120 local organisations and says it will also hold public exhibitions.

The development is not expected to get off the ground until at least 2005 and would become only the second offshore farm of its kind after Blyth in Northumberland.