Turbine bid school now plans solar panels

THE school which is fighting to build two controversial wind turbines on its grounds is also planning to put solar panels on its roof.

Coombe Dean School in Plymstock wants to put two rows of photo-voltaic cells on the pitched roof of a new hall.

Plymouth City Council planning officers have recommended that members approve the scheme because it should have little impact on neighbours.

The school is already appealing against the city council's refusal to allow two controversial wind turbines on its grounds.

A Government-appointed planning inspector will now have the final say in the long-running row about whether the 20-metre turbines are installed.

Residents have claimed the turbines will be an eyesore, create too much too noise and pose a danger to health from flickering shadows and broken blades.

But a report on the solar panels to the planning committee next week said that they should be barely visible to neighbouring residents.

The school wants to use both the wind turbines and the solar panels to promote awareness of educational issues.

Officers said of the panels: "The proposed panels are compatible with their surroundings in terms of siting, scale, materials and visual impact. The proposal also offers environmental and educational benefits."

The planning committee will discuss the scheme at 2.30pm on Thursday October 16.