Waterfront turbine plans approved

The turbines will not disturb residents, it is claimed

Plans to build a wind farm on Liverpool waterfront to help power the new Kings Dock Arena have been approved.

Councillors have given the go-ahead for five 65ft (20m) wind turbines, which it is hoped will generate 10% of the arena and conference centre's electricity.

Some residents of the nearby Albert Dock objected, claiming the turbines would clutter the area and were not in keeping with the historic buildings.

The plans were approved by Liverpool City Council on Tuesday.

Liverpool Vision, the city centre regeneration company, chose the turbines for their distinctive design.

The Kings Dock Arena is due to open in 2008

They have been likened to sculptures, rather than turbines, and their makers claim they run silently.

It means nearby residents and events at the arena will not be disturbed by noise from the turbines.

Construction work on the Kings Dock Arena is well under way and the building is scheduled to open in January 2008.

Jim Gill, Liverpool Vision Chief Executive said: "We welcome the decision to grant planning permission for the wind turbines at Kings Waterfront.

"They will help the Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool become one of the greenest venues in the country.

"Throughout the Kings Waterfront development, we have strived for the highest quality and we believe that major developments such as these will increasingly use sustainable energy solutions," he added.