CAMPAIGNERS fighting a proposed wind farm near Dorchester have been buoyed by comments from the Prime Minister.

A group opposing plans for six wind turbines at land at Slyer’s Lane near Charminster have welcomed a statement from David Cameron that there should be no more government subsidies for on-shore wind farms.

The premier was quizzed about the Government’s policy on wind turbines during Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons.

He replied: “In our manifesto we were very, very clear that there will be no more subsidies for on-shore wind farms.

“It is time to give local people the decisive say.”

The comments have gone down well with the No Slyers Lanes Turbines group, which is fighting the plans for the turbines measuring 115m in height.

Chair of the group Ian Gosling said: “We’re greatly encouraged that the government now shares our view that there is no justification for the continued subsidy of on-shore wind turbines.

“Without these subsidies there must be serious doubt about the viability of such schemes.

“The Slyers Lane proposal, if approved, would constitute an ugly scar on the landscape of West Dorset.

“And if that wasn’t bad enough, there’s now growing evidence that on-shore wind makes neither economic nor environmental sense.”

A planning application for the six turbines has been submitted to West Dorset District Council.

Mr Gosling says it’s vitally important that local people take a look at what is being proposed and register their objections with the district council at dorsetforyou.com

He said: “In recent weeks, cinema audiences around the world have been celebrating the unique beauty of Hardy’s Dorset in the latest version of Far From the Madding Crowd.

“Those of us who have the good fortune to live in this beautiful part of the world must do everything we can to preserve this remarkable landscape.”

A spokesman for Broadview said the Department for Energy and Climate Change was yet to confirm if and how the subsidies for onshore wind will end. They added: "Until such a time Broadview hopes that the industry which employs 19,000 people is consulted with regarding any proposals which may impact the future deployment of onshore wind.

"The sector currently generates more than five per cent of the UK’s electricity needs at a cost lower than that of new nuclear.

"Broadview remains comfortable with the economics of the project."

The spokesman added that the firm had been 'encouraged' by the level of support for the Slyer's Lane proposals from the local community and it was confident the site was 'appropriate and viable'.

Broadview is this week submitting further information to West Dorset District Council regarding the planning application it submitted in October last year.

To view the application visit dorsetforyou.com or broadviewenergy.com/slyer-s-lane/documents