PLANNERS gave an overwhelming thumbs up to a scheme to generate renewable energy via a wind turbine in St Briavels.

 Andrew and Sue Clarke of Woolaston based the Resilience Centre and Anthony Cooke's proposals to build a 50m-high 330kw, wind turbine at Great Dunkilns Farm on Bream Road were debated by the Forest of Dean District Council's development control committee last week.

One of the applicants, Mr Clarke said: "The turbine would benefit the community and meet much of the village's demand for electricity. It would increase the viability of local business and benefit the area by some £20,000 per year."

The site chosen has satisfied any concerns from the Environmental Agency and bat experts.

Cllr Arthur Thomas said: "A local seminar was held locally and a large amount of people welcomed the scheme that could provide enough power to run between 50 and 180 houses, depending on the strength of the wind."

Cllr Norman Stephens said: "Its good to see local people get behind what is usually a controversial issue and I wish them all the best with the project."

The councillors voted unanimously in favour of the scheme.