Wind of change for primary school in national park

Planning officers at the Peak District National Park Authority have recommended that the application for the turbine, which would provide power to Bishop Pursglove Primary School in St John's Road, is approved by councillors at a meeting tomorrow.

One objection has been received from a resident of St John's Road, who says the 15 metre-high turbine would be visible from their house.

However, authority planners say the design of the turbine is "fit for purpose and not excessive" and it will "not be highly visible" as most of the site is screened by trees.

As well as providing a source of "green" energy to Bishop Pursglove Primary School, it is hoped that the turbine will be used as an educational tool to teach children about environmental issues.

In the report set to go before Friday's meeting, Peak District planners say: "The turbine will be more readily visible when the blades are rotating quickly, but it is concluded that the impact will not be significant in this setting on the edge of the village and the setting of the Tideswell Conservation Area.

"It is acknowledged that the proposed turbine will be visible above the ridge line of the school building when viewed from certain quarters, but it will not be possible to hide it from all views without making the proposal either unviable or compromising another material interest.

"It is considered that the chosen site is probably in the optimum location, having regard to striking a balance between such matters as operational needs, visual impact and impact on ecology."

The report adds: "There is support in principle for the proposed development and there are no site-specific reasons why planning permission should not be granted."