Councillors delay turbine ruling

Residents fear the noise generated by the wind turbine will be too high

A plan to build a wind turbine at a school in a Hampshire beauty spot is being opposed by some residents who say it will blight their lives.

The 55ft (17m) high structure would be based at a Sopley Primary School in South Ripley, near Ringwood.

The county council, which submitted the planning application, was due to make a decision at a meeting on Wednesday.

But councillors have deferred their decision to get "clarification on the noise levels and their impact".

It is understood the wind turbine could generate up to 20% of the school's electricity.

The school's head teacher, Martin Sheret, told BBC News he was keen to see the plans go ahead providing their neighbours' concerns were addressed.

However, villager Nicky Passmore, who moved to the countryside from Nottingham three years ago, said: "Effectively, the wind turbine will be right at the bottom of our garden and it will operate 24 hours a day.

"It will make quite a lot of noise.

"This is our home... it used to be our little sanctuary and I am really worried it will not be anymore."

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Villagers fear noise levels will become too high if the 55ft (17m) high wind turbine is built