A WIND turbine as tall as Bolton Town Hall could be built only a few hundred yards from homes.

The turbine, which would be 200ft high from the base to the tip of the blade, is planned for Birches Farm in Bradshaw.

Neighbours are furious and say the latest turbine would be “half the size of Blackpool Tower”.

Residents were tipped off about the plans and that the farm already had permission for a smaller turbine.

But farmer Andy Paton said the turbine will help generate income for the farm to take on more employees.

He added the new turbine, designed by legendary architect Norman Foster, would be “very quiet”.

Mr Paton said: “It is considered to be the Rolls Royce of wind turbines.

You can’t hide a turbine, but this is designed to be more in line with a piece of sculpture.”

The farm already has two smaller turbines.

Chris Haslam, of Bradshaw Road, can already see two turbines from his kitchen window.

Mr Haslam, who was not consulted about the previous turbines, said: “I was beside myself when I found out. This will directly affect my house.”

Residents are angry that only a handful of neighbours received letters about the latest turbine.

The previous two turbines were granted permission by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Last week, Bolton Council said it would look at introducing a policy on turbines, after refusing permission for a 100ft turbine on Douglas Valley Golf Course in Blackrod.

Another Bradshaw resident, Joanne Wilcock, added: “In light of what happened recently, I think the council should suspend all future applications until a policy is in place.”

A council spokesman said objections could still be made, adding: “The application is likely to go before committee at the earliest in April.

“We have notified residents that live approximately 400 metres from the proposed site which is in accordance with our policies.”