A new option to build four wind turbines at Langdon instead of five has been labelled a “crafty move” by a campaigner.

The suggestion, by renewable energy company Ecotricity, has been tabled at a public inquiry into Dover District Council’s handling of the original application, which was launched on Wednesday.

Joan Miller, whose home is next to the proposed site for the 120-metre structures, said she thinks Ecotricity has tabled the plans so the planning inspector will look favourably on the project and allow it to go ahead.

Mrs Miller is a member of Langdon Action Group (LAG), which formed in 2007 to fight the proposals. She said: “We think that if they say they are prepared to concede one turbine – the one that’s the most opposed – it’s a crafty move."

The claim has been denied by Gloucestershire-based firm Ecotricity. Managing director Dale Vince said: “We’ve put forward an option to the inspector for a four-turbine project as an alternative to the five.

“It’s an option we would be prepared to accept if the planning inspector deemed it more appropriate."

LAG has co-ordinated public meetings and raised £40,000 to pay for barrister fees to represent them at the inquiry.

The public inquiry has been launched because the council was unable to determine whether planning permission should be granted in the statutory 80 days. It is being held each day at the council offices, Whitfield, and provision has been made for large numbers of people to attend.