PLANNING chiefs have approved proposals to build a 50ft wind turbine in the New Forest.

The New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) has given businessman Greg Davies the go-ahead to build the energy-saving device beside his seven-bedroom house in Loperwood, Calmore.

The turbine, which is likely to meet all Mr Davies's energy needs, was approved at the first-ever meeting of the NPA's planning committee.

Planning officers had recommended the committee reject the proposal, saying the "visually intrusive" structure would be visible from a road and a footpath.

However, members cited the environmental benefits of harnessing the power of the wind.

Alan Weeks, who is also chairman of Totton and Eling Town Council, said: "Unless this turbine is going to be a real eyesore, we should consider supporting it.

"The proposed site is well screened and even where the turbine would be visible, it would not have that big an impact.

"We should be supportive of such measures. Where would Holland be without its windmills?"

Fellow NPA member Alan Rice commented: "The turbine has the support of the local parish council, and the applicant should be commended for wanting to put the thing up. I wish I had one."

Lee Dunsdon said: "We have to balance the good this project will do against the impact it will have on the New Forest landscape.

"The proposed site doesn't seem to be in a particularly prominent location."

Mr Davies, a 38-year-old retail director, told the committee that the turbine would be a quarter of a mile from the nearest road and would also be below the tree line.

He also claimed that the device would only be visible from a short section of the footpath.

"There have been no objections to this, and the parish council, which looks after the footpath, supports the application," added Mr Davies. After the meeting he said: "Every day we read stories about the environment and the dangers of global warming.

"I've decided to do my little bit to try to improve the situation and I'm delighted that NPA has approved the scheme."

The first application debated by the newly-formed committee was refused.

Members rejected a proposal to build a replacement garage to house a Rigid Inflatable Boat at a house in Football Green, Minstead.