A 77-metre-high wind turbine could be installed in Darwen.

Energy firm Temporis Wind has written to Darwen Town Council outlining its plans for the turbine at a farm in Bolton Road.

The 500kw turbine would be installed by the firm at Prospect Farm on behalf of James and Diane Mares.

A public meeting at which residents can view the plans will be held at Spring Vale Methodist Church, in Watery Lane, on Tuesday, September 23 at 7.30pm.

A Temporis spokesman said a planning application was being prepared and would be submitted to Blackburn with Darwen Council in the coming weeks.

The letter said: “The landowner hopes to install the wind turbine to diversify the existing cattle farming business to secure its long-term viability.

“The proposed site location has been designed through a detailed feasibility process to ensure that the site can accommodate a wind turbine.

“After all of these feasibility tests were complete, Temporis Wind consulted with Blackburn with Darwen Council.

“As an outcome of this process, the council asked Temporis to consider the impact of the wind turbine on the natural and cultural environment and human receptors.

“These assessments make up part of the planning application which is anticipated to be submitted in the near future. The proposed turbine would stand 77m tall and would export the electricity generated to the local distribution network.”

The firm also said that if the plans went ahead, there would be financial benefits for the town. The letter continued: “Temporis Wind are keen to propose that should the project be consented, a sum of £3,000 per annum should be provided to the local community to improve local facilities and infrastructure.

“This proposed level of community benefit funding exceeds the Government recommendation of £2,500 for a 500kW project.”

Town councillor John East said: “We are looking at a public consultation of the proposed development and we want people to have a look at it. At this stage we just want to make sure it is environmentally friendly.”