Approval for wind turbine plans

Sir John hopes to reduce his annual energy bills by up to 50%

Plans to erect two wind turbines on land belonging to a former government minister have been approved.

The 81ft (25m) turbines will provide power for the home of Sir John Knott who lives at St Erth in Cornwall.

Some local residents opposed the plans, claiming the structures would ruin the landscape and disrupt wildlife.

The parish council had also objected, but Penwith District Council said the turbines did not contravene regulations and granted conditional approval.

The conditions for approval include set noise levels and the district council can remove the turbines if they are not being used.

Sir John, who was defence secretary for the Conservative government in the 1980s, said he was pleased the project has been given the go ahead.

The 76-year-old hopes the turbines will reduce the annual energy bill for his house, farm buildings and holiday homes by up to 50%.