Dover Council is expecting "significant interest" in the hearing in January.

Energy firm Ecotricity is planning five turbines at East Langdon, Guston and Whitfield and has said finding sources of renewable energy is "essential".

Council papers this year reported "considerable public opposition" to the scheme with 800 letters of objection.

Dover Council said the planning committee had been unable to determine the application at a meeting in June.

A spokesman said: "Had the committee been able to determine the application, it would have been minded to refuse planning permission on the grounds of 'inadequate and insufficient information to enable proper consideration of the development and of the likely environmental effects'."

But Dale Vince, from Ecotricity, said: "It is absolutely essential we change the way we make electricity. We must use more indigenous and renewable sources such as wind."

He said the east Kent site was "one of the few in the North Dover district that is actually suitable for wind turbines".

'Better at sea'

Council papers for the planning meeting in June reported 800 letters opposing the scheme, and three letters in favour of it.

Opponents said the turbines would destroy the rural landscape, affect tourism, create noise and vibration, affect public health, disturb wildlife, not provide enough energy to justify the impact, and would be better out at sea.

Letters backing the project said renewable energy was essential, the wind farm could become a tourist attraction, there had been negative press coverage, and government renewable energy targets needed to be met.

The wind farm would include five turbines, each with a maximum height of 393ft (120m), together with a vehicle access point, access tracks, an electricity sub-station, and a temporary construction compound.

The inquiry is set to run from 7 to 26 January at the council offices in Whitfield.