Energy Two giant wind turbines could help power science park

TWO giant wind turbines could soon be built next to the M4 motorway in the countryside east of Bristol. They would be located on farmland and help power the nearby Bristol and Bath Science Park including a huge artificial intelligence centre.

- Alex SEABROOK Local democracy reporter

The wind turbines would be set up by the Bristol Energy Network, with a grant from the West of England Combined Authority. As well as the turbines, the 228-acre Leigh Farm in Pucklechurch would be used for planting a new woodland and creating an area for Gypsy and Traveller communities.

South Gloucestershire Council's cabinet is expected to sign off the plans on Monday.

A cabinet report set out the details, including one problem with the proposal that prevents the turbines powering homes around the area for many years.

The report said: "The significant difference between BEN's proposals and that of a commercial energy company is that the benefit is routed back into communities. The local community would benefit from the surplus income generated from the turbines. Current proposals are to construct two turbines with a capacity of 4.26 megawatts each.