STARTLED motorists have been slowing down to catch a glimpse of Fenland s biggest wind turbine, built just yards from the busy A605, and which is to be switched on next Thursday. At its hub the giant £2 million turbine in Whittlesey stands 80 metres tall

STARTLED motorists have been slowing down to catch a glimpse of Fenland's biggest wind turbine, built just yards from the busy A605, and which is to be switched on next Thursday.

At its hub the giant £2 million turbine in Whittlesey stands 80 metres tall but stretches to 125 metres when one of its three blades is vertical.

"There has been a mixed reaction," said Whittlesey councillor Martin Curtis. "Some people like it and some think it is too close to the road which is one of the concerns raised when the plans went before the council."

Those concerns, however, were swept away by Fenland District Council Planning who approved the turbine which has been built for Cornwall Light & Power, on land owned by Abbey Produce. The turbine will remain in place for at least 25 years.

Three other turbines erected last year by McCains as part of a £10 million investment means Whittlesey now has four of the highest turbines ever seen on shore in England.

Planners who studied proposals for the latest turbine reported that the imact on nearby houses was an important issue particularly regarding the issue of noise.

However they also concluded that possible devaluation of homes could not be given any weight because it is not a material planning consideration.

What's your view of this new turbine? Email editor@cambs-times.co.uk