A government planning inspector will hear the case for and against two controversial north Norfolk wind turbine applications next month.

Last year North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) refused applications for single turbines at Pond Farm, Bodham, and Selbrigg Farm, Hempstead.

Both applicants appealed against the decisions and the public hearings will take place in NNDC's council chamber, on Holt Road, Cromer, between November 22 and December 1, before John Braithwaite from the Planning Inspectorate.

Green energy firm Genatec Ltd submitted the application for a turbine 90m above sea level with a blade tip height of 66m at Pond Farm.

The firm claimed it would provide enough power for more than 600 homes.

But the bid was refused in March last year on the grounds that it would harm the setting of a number of heritage assets, including Baconsthorpe Castle, Barningham Hall and several ancient village churches.

NNDC also believed that if would h=ave a harmful impact on the character and appearance of Baconsthorpe and Bessingham Conservation Areas.

An earlier application by Genatec for a taller turbine on the site was also refused by NNDC, allowed on appeal, and then that decision was quashed by the High Court in February 2014.

In July 2015 NNDC refused Francis Feilden's application for a wind turbine at Selbrigg Farm with a height to blade tip of 78m.

The council again cited its view that the plan would harm heritage assets and Conservation Areas – including the Glaven Valley Conservation Area - and would have a 'significant adverse effect' on parts of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The planning inspector's decision on both appeals will not be given immediately after the end of the hearings.

It is likely to be announced sometime in the new year.

Have you got a green energy story? Contact alex.hurrell@archant.co.uk