A poll to determine whether a parish council should lease land for a potential biofuel power station will be held next month.

The move was sparked by a planning application submitted earlier this year, which was then withdrawn, which proposed building on a protected area off Old Brandon Road, Feltwell.

Although the land, which adjoins an existing sub-station, 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 earlier this month, where more than 90 people heard a presentation by REG Biopower, a petition with 10 signatories calling for a parish poll was presented.

People will now be asked to vote yes or no to 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 scheme, which is due to be re-submitted, was too close to the village and would affect wildlife.

They also believed the plant, which would run on used cooking oil, would disturb nearby homes with noise, smells and an increase of traffic.

Parish council chairman Parul Garland said the poll, to be held on April 12, would cost about �2,000 and be paid from the parish precept. Only people on the electoral role will be eligible to vote.

Polling stations will be at the Methodist Church Hall on Bell Street, Feltwell, and Southery Village Hall (Bar Room), on Recreation Drive, Southery, and will be open from 4pm to 9pm. There will be no provision for poll cards or postal votes.

The counting of the votes will be at the Methodist Church Hall with the result anticipated at about 9.30pm.