A PRIMARY school has appealed to the Government in a battle to build a 49ft wind turbine in its playground.

Westborough Primary School, in Westcliff, submitted controversial plans for the turbine to Southend Council in June last year.

But the council did not issue a decision within the appropriate time period, which means the plan is treated as refused and the school’s governors have launched an appeal.

A letter from Andrew Meddle, head of planning, said an inspector will visit the site and make a decision.

Because it’s half term, no one at the school was available for comment and the council was unable to comment further on why it did not make a decision in the correct time period.

Martin Terry, independent councillor for the Westborough ward, praised the school for trying to be green.

He said: “The school has taken a laudable approach in wanting to improve the green facilities.

“It’s a shame this could not be sorted out on a local level and instead a Government inspector, who is not from the area and doesn’t understand local needs, has to come and sort it out.”

The plans caused controversy with some residents who feared the turbine would be dangerous and create too much noise.

Neighbour Robert Evans, 57, one of the lead campaigners against the turbine, said: “I can’t believe the school is trying to build a 20-tonne piece of metal above the heads of playing children.

“I’ve seen reports by the manufacturers claiming the safety of the turbine, but how can anyone know?

“Then there is the constant flicker of the blades.

“I’m all for the school reducing its carbon dioxide output, but there are a hundred and one ways to do it which do not involve a turbine.”

Brenda Smith, chairman of Westborough Residents’ Association, added: “We always try to promote reusable energy resources, but over half of our members objected to the turbine being built in the playground.

“There is a fear if one is built in such a densely populated area, it could fall and damage property or even kill someone. Not to mention the worry over the noise and way it looks.”