12:18pm Friday 5th February 2010
By Liza-Jane Gillespie
PLANS for a a 20 metre high wind turbine in Almondsbury have been given the go-ahead.
The application for the turbine on Spaniorum Hill, in Compton Greenfield, was made by Scout Enterprises, a Scouting group based in Bristol, which already runs a small campsite at the site.
Planning bosses at South Gloucestershire Council gave the green light to Almondsbury's third wind turbine at its development control committee meeting yesterday.
According to the applicants the purpose of the turbine is to generate enough electricity to power a building on the campsite used for emergency accommodation.
Speaking at the meeting Laurance Sutherland, from Scout Enterprises, said: "Having the ability to generate the site’s own energy needs safeguards the development from energy cost rises in the coming years."
Mr Sutherland went on to say any money made from the energy generated by the turbine would be ploughed back into the organisation, supporting members from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Despite the approval the application did face objections from the local community.
Dr Andy Tubb, chairman of Compton Greenfield Neighbourhood Association (CoGNA), said: "The reason we are against this one is because it is without doubt within the green belt and against local policy."
Almondsbury Parish Council also expressed its concern, claiming it was an inappropriate location for the wind turbine and it was within the green belt.
Cllr Felicity Harper, from the parish council, said: "If you approve this application, as soon as there is a clear day, get your boots and go up and see Spaniorum Hill because it will never be the same again."
However, the application received the support from the majority of members of the development control committee.
Cllr Pat Hockey, member for Frampton Cotterell, said: "I am mindful of the fact that if we are going to find alternative forms of energy they are likely to be looked at where normal development would not occur like the green belt and the countryside."
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