A group which has spoken out in favour of the controversial wind turbine plans at Haddenham says it already has almost 200 supporters.

The ‘Yes to Berry Fen Wind Farm’ group has been set up by Colby Smith, formerly of Lester Drive, Haddenham, who believes the environmental and community benefits of the scheme far outweigh the aesthetic impact.

Mr Smith, who now lives in Sutton, said that the group opposed to REG Windpower’s plans, Say No to Berry Fen Wind Farm, had been very vocal and organised but he believes that there is a significant number of people living in the village who back the plans.

He said: “There is a lot of opposition to the wind farm but it occurred to me that there must be people in favour of it too but they didn’t have an outlet to express their views. That’s why I started up the pro group.

“Everyone wants the benefits of green energy and to be able to flick a switch off and on whenever they like but they don’t want things like wind farms on their doorsteps. I think people need to take responsibility.

“I know that living in Sutton it doesn’t affect me directly but I wanted to represent the views of people who are in favour of this wind farm. I don’t think enough of the positive aspects have been highlighted.”

Mr Smith’s Facebook group has so far attracted 180 supporters and he is hoping to continue to raise its profile in the coming weeks.

In response to allegations by opponents of the turbines that they would reduce the value of homes in Haddenham and Aldreth, Mr Smith said it was still unclear whether that was the case.

“I have read studies which say they will affect the value and some which say they wont,” he added.

It was revealed last week that REG had applied to East Cambridgeshire District Council to build three wind turbines measuring up to 125metres tall at Berry Fen, between Haddenham and Aldreth.

REG says it will set up a community fund worth thousands of pounds every year if the wind farm is approved but opponents say it will be a hazard to wildlife and wipe thousands of pounds off the value of homes.