A campaign group has been set up to oppose the erection of wind turbines which "could ruin a spot of natural beauty".

The campaign, known as Stop, aims to stop two "250ft" wind turbines being installed at Half Ridge Farm, in Acton Beauchamp, and the other in Pencombe after planning applications were submitted to Herefordshire County Council.

Ross Carter, who is spear-heading the campaign, said: "These wind turbines are more than 250ft high and will be viewed across the Malvern Hills, which is an area of natural beauty.

"We want to preserve this area, not see turbines put in which could ruin a spot of natural beauty.

"Our other concern is that of noise. The turbine will be less than 500 metres from a residential house and close to the village church. It will be completely out of context to the village.

"We are also worried about the impact turbines will have on our tourism, as people won't want to stay next to them.

"These spots are being targeted for what amounts to an industrialisation of the countryside.

"We want to stop a precedent being set, so it's crucial these applications are not granted. Once planning permission has been granted for the first wind turbines of this size, the flood gates will be open".

A spokesman for G2 Energy said: "A large number of factors have been taken into account, we avoid any development near designated areas of outstanding natural beauty. Neither of the two sites in Herefordshire are in any such designated area.

"We are careful in siting wind turbines so as not cause a nuisance to residents in the surrounding area. Noise levels received at residential dwellings is controlled by Government Guidelines, stating the maximum noise level permitted for dwellings, not financially involved with the turbine, is 35db. "Both of our sites exceed this requirement.

"Tourism has not been effected by turbines in Cornwall, Devon, Wales and other, so there is no reason for Herefordshire to be any different."

So far, around 300 people have backed the campaign, from, but Mr Carter says the word needs to be spread further.

He said: "G2 Energy failed to give a wide-spread consultation, and only consulted the parish council of Acton Beauchamp, Stanford Bishop and Evesbatch- at that meeting 94% of people objected to the plans.

"Word has started to spread throughout the parish, and neighbouring parishes, but more needs to be done if these applications are to be stopped."

The Pencombe planning application is yet to have a decision date, while the Acton Beauchamp application is due to be decided on Wednesday, October 8.

To back the campaign, visit stop-the-turbines.co.uk, or to view the planning applications go to herefordshire.gov.uk/planning