RONALD Kear faced a storm of opposition from Coleford residents as he laid out plans to put a 270ft wind turbine near their homes.

A public consultation at Forest Hills Golf Club on Saturday was almost at full capacity as the plans were outlined at three presentation sessions.

Members of the community who questioned Mr Kear at the first session were almost universally against the £1.4 million wind turbine scheme planned for Poolway Farm.

They pointed to the effect on house prices, noise and the visual impact of the turbine and safety issues as reasons why they were against it.

Resident Colin Hadley said: "Why is there such a rush to get this through now?

"Is it because of a Member's Bill that is in Parliament that will stop wind turbines being built so close to residential areas?

Mr Kear told the audience he was a supporter of wind turbines because he was against nuclear power, leading one audience member to retort that he "didn't look like an eco-warrior".

Mr Kear said: "I am hoping to make money out of this, but we will be putting something back into the community from day one.

"The town council will decide which schemes will get the funding we will put forward."