Fears have been voiced about the size of a wind turbine which Upton Poultry Farm wants to build on the edge of the Broads.

A parish council meeting in neighbouring South Walsham was shown a drawing revealing how the turbine - almost on the same scale as the spire of Norwich cathedral - would tower over the landscape.

Plans for the �1m scheme have been developed on behalf of the company 2 Sisters Food Group by Ipswich-based York Green Renewables.

Joshua Sayles, a spokesman for York Green Renewables, said the firm's decision to build the hi-tech turbine was partly motivated by the green aspirations of its customers.

'The turbine will be sufficient to offset 75pc of the plant's carbon footprint and deliver a considerable energy cost saving too,' he said.

However, South Walsham council vice-chairman Peter Crook said: 'There were general feelings of concern about the size and scale of it. It is on the edge of the Bure valley and would be seen for miles around.

'It would also be close to the A47 and a distraction near a spot where there were two accidents this week.'

Mr Crook said councillors were also worried about possible unknown factors such as light flicker from the blades and noise that would be taken by the prevailing south-west wind towards Acle and Upton.

He said: 'We have been told that in high wind they would stop it but then the wind could possibly blow around the blades and generate noise. We really need to know more about it.

'There must be two acres of roof on their huge poultry sheds and I would have thought installing solar panels instead might be possible.'

He said they would monitor the situation and liaise with other parish councils supporting any action they might take.

A spokesman for Broadland District Council said the period of consultation for the scheme closed on Monday.

She confirmed they had received objections from local residents and Norwich airport as well as parish councils.