Wind turbine given the go-ahead

The turbine is planned for Daventry Country Park's Visitor Centre

A scheme to build the first wind turbine in Daventry, Northants, has been given the go-ahead.

Daventry District Council's planning committee has approved the plans for the 8m high turbine at Daventry Country Park's Visitor Centre in Northern Way.

Officers recommended the scheme's approval at Wednesday night's meeting.

The micro turbine will generate power for the visitor centre. The country park hopes to demonstrate to visitors that wind power is viable.

The turbine will have three blades with a diameter of nearly 2m.

Councillor Wendy Amos, planning committee chairman, said: "This installation will enable us to assess the impact, the technology and the viability of a micro wind turbine. Its introduction is in line with our own environmental policy.

"By seeking and gaining planning permission, we have been able to review concerns and objections, but without testing this situation we'll never know if it is an appropriate renewable energy source or not."

A country park spokesman said the turbine would complement the existing renewable energy sources already in operation at the visitor centre, for example panels producing solar energy.