A giant wind farm with 21 of the UK's largest inshore wind generators is being proposed in Frodsham.

The renewable energy generators will stand 410ft high, 100ft taller than Big Ben, and would even dwarf the Fiddlers Ferry Cooling Tower.

Plans for the proposal, by Peel Energy, part of Peel Holdings who recently had a £245m waste recovery park and incinerator at Ince Marshes approved, were announced at Cheshire West and Chester's Strategic Planning Committee last night.

Frodsham and Helsby Cllr Andrew Dawson said: "Clearly these are early days yet and the community has not had a chance to think about the proposal - but as this scheme will be decided nationally, if it goes forward, I have to say in all likelihood, no matter what local people may say or think, it is more than likely that others nationally will decide we are to have this scheme on our doorstep, on our marshes, on our green open space which is so crucial as it separates the otherwise industrial landscape.

"Frodsham,Helsby and surrounding villages are boxed in by heavy industry, good for employment and the economy but always impacting on the residents. The open vista of the estuary compensates for this in part. I do hope that if Peel Energy plan to obscure this view with turbines that they will give appropriate alternative benefits to the community."

Peel Energy senior development manager Richard Dibley, who made a presentation about the site, said Peel would be starting a round of community meetings and they had already consulted organisations such as the RSPB about the internationally significant wetlands and the bird life it supports.

A planning application was likely to be submitted in November.