PROTESTERS have brought in a new weapon in their fight against a 416ft wind turbine which threatens to dwarf their homes.

A blimp – or inflatable – has been flown over land near Sheephurst Lane, Marden, where farmer Peter Hall and Wind Direct want to install the turbine.

John Webley, chairman of the Kent Weald Action Group which is fighting the plan, said: "We flew it last Sunday and got to 415ft.

"We will be flying the blimp again so as many people as possible can see the appalling impact this turbine would have on the landscape."

The group said the blimp showed that the turbine would appear to be next to the church tower as people came into Marden on the Maidstone Road - "a dreadful prospect".

After Hazel Blears, secretary of state for communities and local government, decided an environment impact study (EIA) was not required for the turbine, Mr Webley submitted a Freedom of Information request on how she came to her decision.

He told the Kent Messenger: "I was sent a one-page file note and an internal checklist, both with bits blanked out and not disclosing anything of consequence.

"All other evidence was withheld on the grounds that it was more important to protect the officials who made the decision than to have public disclosure.

"My view is that when two borough councils decided that an EIA was necessary and six parish councils have voted against the application there is enough public interest to require full disclosure of the reasons and rationale for a decision which has surprised everyone."

He said he would not accept the reply and would take it to the next level, an independent review of the decision by another government office.

He added: "I did establish, however, that they did not even bother to do a site visit."

People are urged to keep an eye out for the blimp tomorrow Saturday (June 14) so they can measure its height against the surrounding homes and countryside.