Monstrosity or marvel?

(From Western Daily Press)

Like it or loathe it, Somerset's first giant wind turbine is up and turning despite opposi-tion from locals and wind power sceptics including Sir David Bellamy and Noel Edmonds.

Some have welcomed its arrival at Shooters Bottom, Chewton Mendip, while others say it ruins the panoramic views across the famous limestone hills.

Ecotricity, the Gloucestershire-based company that installed the turbine says it will produce enough electricity for 2,031 homes - equivalent to five per cent of households in the district, while cutting carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide emissions.

The parish council, a local campaign group, and Mendip District Council opposed the plan because of its impact on the landscape. A planning inspector accepted the point, but recommended it go ahead to help meet green energy targets. The original application was for a turbine more than 300ft tall, but the completed mast is 201ft, with a rotor diameter of about 70m and a capacity of two megawatts.

Ecotricity argues that with the energy crisis beginning to bite across the world, "Somerset's one-and-only large-scale renewable project is a bit little and a bit late".

It quoted positive comments from the public, including one person who said: "I work just a few miles away at Clapton near Midsomer Norton, and I am hoping that we will be able to see the turbine at the factory." Another said: "It's time I had one in my field as well, as it is always windy up here."