Plans by a Fakenham school to put up a 15-metre high wind turbine in its grounds to help students learn about the environment has run into trouble from neighbours.

Plans by a Fakenham school to put up a 15-metre high wind turbine in its grounds to help students learn about the environment has run into trouble from neighbours.

Residents living near Fakenham High School and College have objected to the proposals on various grounds, including visual impact, noise, health issues obstruction of views and infringement of human rights.

Fakenham town council supports the residents and believe the turbine should not be located in a residential area.

In a report to members of the development committee (west) of North Norfolk District Council, it points out the site is located within the school grounds, adjacent to a school building in an Open Land Area as designated in the Local Plan.

This area, where uses that are “open in character and serve education, leisure or nature conversation”, will be retained and encouraged.

The school has confirmed the turbine is intended to help educate students regarding environmental issues.

The proposed turbine would be approximately 120m from the nearest house.

The report says that subject to no objections from the Environmental Protection Officer, it is considered that the proposed turbine would not have a significant detrimental impact on residents of neighbouring homes.

The report points out that while the school is located within a developed area and close to existing school buildings, it would be approximately 120m away from residential properties adjoining the school field to the east, west and south.

“In accordance with Policy 99 of the Local Plan, it is not considered that the proposals would have a significant detrimental impact on the appearance or character of the area. Officers are recommending to members at their meeting on Thursday to approve the scheme subject to conditions.