The applicant behind plans for two wind turbines in Stretham has announced its intention to press ahead with its proposal – despite withdrawing a first round of plans.

Redhill Farm Turbines announced last week that problems connecting the two 75m tall turbines to the National Grid meant it would have to withdraw its application.

But it promised that a fresh round of plans would be submitted once the problem was sorted – much to the dismay of campaigners, who have inundated the Ely Standard with letters of opposition.

In an e-mail to East Cambridgeshire District Council planning officer, Ann Caffall, Redhill Farm acknowledged a “problem with grid connection” had forced it to put a brake on its plans but added that it intended to “reapply once this is issue is sorted”.

The group applied to East Cambridgeshire District Council in July for permission to erect the two turbines on Redhill Farm, in Cambridge Road, an arable and beef farm.

But the plans quickly attracted the ire of neighbours, who claimed the turbines would blight the countryside and potentially endanger wildlife.

The blades of the two turbines were set to stretch to some 54m in diameter and, at maximum capacity, the turbines were to be capable of generating enough power for hundreds of homes.

Frederick and Barbara Benge, of Cambridge Road, said: “The A10 is the main route to Ely, a very busy road. You would see these masts for miles from every direction.

“They are not only an eyesore, but it appears they do not even generate enough electricity to make them viable. I know some farmers are struggling, but this is easy money for them, not for the environment.”

And Paul Groves added: “At one and a half times the height of Ely Cathedral, these turbines will be dominating the skyline and be visible for many miles by anyone travelling and living in the area. The view to and from Ely Cathedral would be completely spoilt.”