PLANS for a controversial ecotricity wind turbine in Nympsfield were approved by Stroud District Council this morning.

The green electricity company applied to erect a temporary 10 metre prototype turbine on the same site as an existing 62 metre turbine in Tinkley Lane, Nympsfield.

Parish councillors wanted the structure, which has already been installed, removed, saying it was an eyesore in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

And campaigners from the Cotswold Protection Group met last week and voted to oppose the application.

Member Lynne Edmunds was concerned that if planners back the turbine it could lead to further development in the area.

"We do not think that it is an appropriate place for any turbine, including the existing one," she said.

"No turbine should go up in an AONB. It is visually intrusive over a wide area."

Despite the concerns, planners backed the plans, saying the turbine was significantly smaller than the existing one. They said it would hardly be visible in the landscape.

They also noted that it is 85 metres away from the nearest road and is surrounded by a hedgerow.

Ecotricity was allowed to put the structure up before planning permission was given to allow for its impact on the landscape to be assessed.

It is a temporary structure and the application lasts for two years.

Dale Vince, managing director of Stroud-based ecotricity, said: "We want to use this as a test site for mini wind systems, microgeneration, something the Government has identified as a key element in hitting our CO2 targets," he said. "The site is ideal and impact is minimal."

The plans were passed at development control.

* Do you think the turbine will harm the landscape at Nympsfield or are those who have objected to this application simply nimbys who fail to see the importance of wind power? Comment here.