A wind energy firm chief has spoken of his delight after plans to erect two new 130m- high wind turbines near a Suffolk town were approved.

Andy Hilton, managing director of Stalham-based Wind Power Renewables, said the masts on farmland on the edge of Eye airfield industrial estate, near the A140, would provide a financial boost for Eye as the company has pledged to give �175,000 of the revenue generated by the turbine over the next 25 years to the town council.

The plans were approved by Mid Suffolk District Council on Friday.

He said: 'We are absolutely over the moon about the decision. It will also provide quite a substantial amount of money for the town council, which should be able to do quite a bit of good with the money.'

Further revenue from the sale of electricity generated by the masts will be used to rejuvenate local hedgerows, some of which have gaps, as well as other conservation measures.

However, the plans received a mixed response during a council consultation process prior to the approval.

Out of 24 responses from the public, Mid Suffolk District Council received 12 objection letters during the one-month process, which ended on December 23.

The objectors raised concerns about the visual impact of the turbines on the surrounding countryside, shadow flicker in sunlight and noise.

Supporters cited the clean way turbines produce renewable energy and the prospect of the turbines producing 5 million kW/h of pollution-free electricity each year.

Mr Hilton claimed the scheme would generate enough renewable energy to power more than 6,000 homes. His firm had originally applied for three turbines, but downgraded the application to two.

dominic.bareham2@archant.co.uk