A PACKED public meeting has called for a parish referendum on whether a wind turbine should be built in the heart of a scenic Broadland village.More than 160 villagers attended the special parish meeting in Hickling's Methodist Chapel Hall on Tuesday evening, called after campaigners raised concerns over the parish council's plans to erect an 18m turbine as part of its �600,000-plus scheme for a new community hall.

A PACKED public meeting has called for a parish referendum on whether a wind turbine should be built in the heart of a scenic Broadland village.

More than 160 villagers attended the special parish meeting in Hickling's Methodist Chapel Hall on Tuesday evening, called after campaigners raised concerns over the parish council's plans to erect an 18m turbine as part of its �600,000-plus scheme for a new community hall.

Objectors, led by Angela Lambard, whose family owns a property in Ouse Lane, less than 100m from the proposed turbine, claim it would be visually obtrusive, block views of Hickling Broad and have an impact on house prices.

The parish council, which has yet to submit a planning application for the turbine, views it as a sustainable way of providing energy for the hall and one which would generate an annual income of �6,500 for community activities.

The legally required 10 names calling for a parish poll on whether the village wants the turbine were successfully gathered at the meeting.

The decision on whether to hold one now rests in the hands of North Norfolk District Council whose spokesman last night said: “The question matches the criteria for a poll so it seems likely to be agreed.”

Mrs Lambard said there was concern in the village that the parish council had not adequately consulted local people about the turbine.

Her husband Simon said elderly people living in Mallard Way, near the entrance of the planned hall, felt “helpless” that their views of the scenic broad were being threatened.

Parish council chairman Vivien Tallowin insisted villagers had been kept abreast of the plans through the parish newsletter.

She said: “Plans for the turbine were discussed at the annual parish meeting in May when only 50 people turned up. At that meeting I recall only one person being against the turbine.”