The success of French firm EDF in setting up a wind farm at Bicker Fen, just across the South Forty Foot Drain from Little Hale, has already encouraged Scottish Power to prepare a bid to site a wind farm on land further down at Neslam's Farm, Sempringham Fen.

Now a third wind farm could be on the horizon with E.ON Climate and Renewables doing environmental feasibility studies into siting turbines on land belonging to the Crown Estate at Billingborough Fen.

E.ON spokesman Rebecca Mara told the Standard the Crown Estate had recommended the site for potential development because it was good for wind and was away from national parks.

She added: "The Crown Estate has selected us as a potential developer for the site on Billingborough Fen. At the moment we are doing an environmental impact assessment on the site which will take up to 24 months."

She said they were not yet ready to apply for planning permission and were still considering such issues as whether the ground conditions were suitable, how many turbines should be sited there and the effect on landscape and the local area.

A Crown Estate spokesman said: "No decision has been made and investigative work is at a very early stage. Any future proposals would of course be subject to a full and proper public consultation."

South Kesteven District Council confirmed there had been preliminary discussions prior to a planning application.

An action group of residents has already been set up against the scheme proposed for Sempringham Fen.

Debbie Wren, chairman of AGAST (Action Group Against Sempringham Turbines) said: "This is a huge swathe of land which could accommodate large numbers of turbines. It doesn't come as a surprise as it's turning out exactly as we have predicted.

"The fens and the surrounding area will be heavily targeted as Bicker is now operational and most developers see that as the key into the area."

*Do you welcome the spread of wind farms in open countryside or do you think they are a visual intrusion? Email your views to andy.hubbert@jpress.co.uk