THE first wind turbine at an Oxford school will be built in the Green Belt, county councillors have decided.

Against stiff resistance, Sandhills Primary School won its argument to build a £30,000, 12m-high turbine to generate electricity.

The structure, measuring almost 15m including the length of the blades, will be built on playing fields close to the busy A40.

But despite the site being 100m away from houses, adjoining the road and being close to Thornhill park-and-ride, some councillors voted against the scheme because they thought it would spoil the view.

The project is being funded through grants and donations and will not cost the school a penny.

It should be functional by July next year.

Headteacher Joe Johnson said: "The turbine would be visible from the A40 and be a much better signpost to the city than the Green Road roundabout.

"We will save about £1,000 a year in energy costs - but that is insignificant compared to the effect it will have on the children and the entire city. Every school should be looking to do something like this."

The project had the backing of some Conservative county councillors who, by voting in favour, effectively condoned construction in the Green Belt.

Sandhills decided to go it alone in its pursuit of becoming the city's first wind powered school after losing a national competition to win a micro wind turbine.

The 200 four- to 11-year-old children have already learned about the onslaught of climate change and the need to save energy.

A few weeks ago they survived the school day in complete darkness in an exercise to see how much energy they could save.

County Hall received three objections to the scheme urging refusal because of the perceived visual impact, noise nuisance and intrusion in the Green Belt.

Tory councillor Melinda Tilley said: "It's an absolute tragedy to put something like this in the Green Belt.

"Wind turbines don't work in low wind speeds, they are just bird swatters. I don't think it is viable at all."

City and county councillor Jean Fooks added: "The fact it will save the school money and save carbon dioxide emissions has to be very good."

On Friday, the first wind turbine at an Oxfordshire school was unveiled at Berinsfield.

The 50ft-high turbine will save the school £1,200 a year on its energy bills and help pay for new street lights in the village.

South Oxfordshire District Council paid half the cost of the turbine and Oxfordshire County Council managed the installation.

All the 12,000 kwh of electricity it generates goes into the National Grid.

  • Anyone wanting to donate towards the cost of Sandhills Primary School's wind turbine should contact Mr Johnson on 01865 433000.