New plan for Isle of Wight wind turbines

Plans for a wind farm on Cheverton Down were thrown out last year

A Dorset renewable energy firm is hoping to win approval to build the first wind farm on the Isle of Wight.

Infinergy, which is based in Wimborne, wants to build five turbines on land south of Wellow near Yarmouth.

Previous proposals for wind farms have been hit by concerns over their impact on views and protected areas.

But Infinergy said it was confident it could meet planning requirements. The firm will be consulting with residents before an application is submitted.

Herb Lindlahr, project director, said: "The site has great potential for a wind energy project that would cover around 10% of the Isle of Wight's domestic electricity needs.

"We are looking to work closely with the island community as a whole."

'Individual merits'

Isle of Wight council has set itself a target of producing 18 mega watts of renewable energy by the end of the year.

Infinergy's plan would see the turbines produce 11.5 mega watts.

Stuart Love, from the local council, said: "We will deal with this application on its individual merits.

"If it is achievable, then clearly it will assist us to deliver the target for the island."

Last year, a plan by Cornwall Light and Power (CLP) to erect three giant wind turbines on Cheverton Down was rejected.

The firm said it was planning to appeal the decision.