The site in Feltwell of the proposed bio-fuel plant.

Villagers have overwhelmingly opposed plans for a biofuel power station in a Norfolk village in a poll conducted by a parish council.

Out of 512 votes cast by Feltwell residents, 388 were against the parish council leasing land to renewable energy firm REG Bio-Power UK Ltd to build a biofuel power station.

The poll was sparked by a planning application, which was then withdrawn, which proposed building on a protected area off Old Brandon Road, Feltwell.

Although the land lies outside the village, it is within a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) and in a special protection area (SPA) which is believed to attract stone curlews.

At a meeting in March more than 90 people heard a presentation by REG Biopower and a petition with 10 signatories calling for the poll was presented.

The poll, held at the Methodist church and Southery Village Hall on Thursday, asked residents the question “Should the parish lease land to REG Biofuel for the building of a bio-power plant?”

In the past residents have said the plant was too close to the village, would affect wildlife and disturb homes.