Proposals were announced during West Coast Energy's appeal hearing into an application for Carsington Pastures.

And the company has already been given the go-ahead to install a 60m data collecting mast.

Jan Southway, from Protect Carsington and Hopton Action Group, which was giving its views at the appeal meeting, said: "It is definitely being looked in to.

"I just hope they don't fall into the same trap as before and make sure they consult widely with the public.

"Best practice states they should be consulting with the public 18 months before a planning application goes in."

NE Derbyshire District Council approved West Coast Energy's planning application in May for a mast to be erected for 18 months at a site near Slack Hill to collect wind data for the proposed farm.

Ashover parish clerk Sara Atkinson said the council had discussed the initial proposals for Middle Moor off Wirestone Lane.

She added: "The parish council felt a full environmental assessment and widespread public consultation should be carried out."

A spokesman for West Coast Energy confirmed the company was carrying out a feasibility study for the project and numerous issues needed to be considered.

He added the project may develop over the next few months.

Laura Stevens of Matlock Climate Action Forum said she welcomed green energy plans and supported the proposals.

But she added that the forum had mixed feelings with some people being against such plans.

She added: "Some members of Matlock Climate Action Forum welcome the opportunity to see plans to reduce carbon emissions in the area."

The application for the turbines at Carsington was turned down by Derbyshire Dales District Council last year because of the impact it would have on the landscape. The decision on whether the application can now go ahead will be made by a government planning inspector.