Residents have had a final chance to learn about the proposed wind turbine manufacturing plant before a planning application is submitted.

Danish firm Vestas announced in May it had signed an agreement with Peel Ports to take over 70 hectares of land at Sheerness Docks to build off-shore turbines.

A series of community consultations have been taking place where Islanders could find out more about it and raise any comments or concerns they had.

Three exhibitions were held over the weekend to bring residents up to speed on what came out of the consultations.

It is hoped the planning application will be submitted to Swale council in early January and a decision could be made in May or June.

Vestas has spoken in the past about the possibility the listed former masthouse building – which does not fit with the plans – would have to be demolished.

It has now been confirmed this is the case and the company is in talks with English Heritage about how to proceed.

However, there could be opportunities to open up other areas within Garrison Point to give public access as part of the development.

Vestas is also looking at the feasibility of works to protect and enhance other heritage assets including the Grade I-listed boat store.

At the exhibitions in Sheppey, Sittingbourne and Faversham, there were also responses to some of the queries raised at the consultations.

One issue of residents in Blue Town and Sheerness was about odours and noise which could be created by the factory.

Spokesman Linda Stevens said: “We are not expecting it to be any noisier than it is currently in the docks.

“A lot of people were concerned and we have been able to address that.”

Another issue raised was about jobs and training opportunities.

Ms Stevens added: “It is still early days but Vestas will be producing a report as part of its planning applications about how they will recruit and train people and how they will work with local schools, colleges and support organisations.

“There was a negative comment about the worry whether it’s a long-term project but we reassured them because it is a 25-year contract with an option to go to 30 years.”

If plans are approved, construction could start in late 2012 with the factory becoming operational in 2015.

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At the exhibition at the Gateway Centre, Sheerness, on Friday, the winner of a Lego Vestas model was presented with her prize.

Great-grandmother Mari Russell, 72, had filled out a questionnaire at one of the consultations and her name was picked out of a hat.

Vestas has had 3,000 of the models, which are complete with a motor to power the turbine blades, made.

Mari, of Broad Street, Sheerness, said: “It’s lovely and it’s nice to have won. I will be giving it to my great- grandson Jack when he’s a bit older.”

Also at the exhibition, work produced by pupils at Richmond Primary School was on display.

A Vestas representative visited the school to speak to the children about wind energy and the plans for Sheerness and they created drawings afterwards.

Prizes were given to Alfie Rogers, Lorna Moses, Chanice Bunyan, Olivia Hayter, Kayleigh Spindlow and Jake Vince.

Science teacher Kieron Gregory said: “The involvement with Vestas was a fantastic opportunity for the children to connect what they learn in the classroom with what’s happening in the community.”