The keen conservationist submitted his plans last month and neighbours were so angry they held a public meeting at St Erth Parish council this week to oppose the plan. Villagers are angry because his planning application described them as small wind turbines when in fact they will tower above the village church which is just 54 feet. Sir John's scheme follows the example of Tory leader David Cameron who wants to have his own small wind generator at his home in London. Sir John, who was in Margaret Thatcher's 1982 Cabinet, said: 'I don't really want to say anything but the fears are completely unfounded.' They also believe the moving shadows from the blades will frighten horses in nearby paddocks. They say the windmills are too big, too noisy and just 300 metres from the nearest home. Neighbours held a public meeting this week to oppose the scheme.

Sir John, 76, hopes to generate half the power he needs for his home, 194-acre farm and five holiday cottages at Trewinnard Manor near St Ives.

Villagers in the picturesque community of St Erth in West Cornwall are furious that retired Tory minister Sir John Nott wants to build two 82ft wind turbines on his country estate.

The Defence Secretary who took on the Argentines in the Falklands War is now facing a battle with neighbours. Green power: Sir John Nott has angered his St Erth neighbours with plans to build two 82 foot high wind turbines

Nott the brave level 10 outfit