The British countryside is set to become overrun by “intruding ” wind turbines. This was the warning from the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), which has got in a flap over the Government’s policies for onshore wind.

The campaign group argues that local people are being ignored in the face of large manufacturers.

Shaun Spiers, CPRE chief executive admitted onshore wind would be necessary for the UK’s climate goals but said: “We are seeing more and more giant turbines sited in inappropriate locations. Communities feel increasingly powerless in the face of speculative applications from big, well-funded developers and this risks undermining public support for the measures needed to tackle climate change.”

The campaign group says local communities are “struggling to safeguard valued landscapes” in the face of the renewable industry and warn a flood of planning applications could scar the beauty of Britain’s famous countryside.

Mr Spiers added: “We must find a way of reconciling climate change mitigation and landscape protection.  Otherwise we will sacrifice the beauty and tranquillity of much-loved landscapes for at least a generation.”

Onshore wind has been subject to several negative headlines recently, following a backbench revolt by Tories and Lib Dems.