STUDENTS and staff at Okehampton College are hoping to be top of the class for the use of renewable energy

But their plan to erect two wind turbines on?Ball Hill at the rear of the college has failed to win the backing of Okehampton Town Council's planning committee.

Through a variety of energy saving technologies, combined with increased awareness among students and staff, the college has recently made significant savings in gas and electricity consumption.

Now it wants to work towards zero energy bills and lower carbon emissions through the use of renewable energy.

Part of the proposal, which will see the college become one of the most eco-friendly in the country, is the siting of the two wind turbines.

The planning application for the turbines has been submitted to West Devon Borough Council, with a decision expected in April.

But the town council's planning committee on Monday decided not to support the application.

Cllrs Weekes and Bickley argued the drop in voltage down the cables from the turbines to the college would make the generators 'unviable'.

Cllr Ireland said that if there was doubt as to the generation capability, the environmental impact of the turbines would be difficult to justify.

The town council does not have the power to refuse the planning application, but its views will be taken into consideration when the matter is discussed by the borough council's planning committee.

Community technology co-ordinator at the college Keith Webber said: 'Great care has been taken in the selection of these proposed turbines — Gaia 133 models on modest 18-metre masts. These are far smaller than the 120-metre devices available.'

Students are supporting the proposal, with sixth form environmental representatives and members of the school council commenting on the wide-ranging benefits of the turbines.

The college has taken advice from consultants, studied manufacturer's data, spoken to schools that already have turbines, and made an independent assessment of actual installed turbines of the type planned.

Mr Webber added: 'The positioning and sizing of our proposed wind turbines should not inconvenience anybody and I would urge everybody to realise just how minimal the impact will be compared to the benefit that will be gained.

'Given how far our machines will be from houses we are advised that noise and shadow flicker will not be problems. In addition, the natural landscape will provide additional screening.'

Mr Webber said an existing turbine of the same model as the proposed machines could be seen near by.

Okehampton College is recognised as a leader in energy saving in education, and received national recognition for its pioneering work last year, winning the Ashden Award for sustainable energy.

The college has also been encouraging other schools in the area to get involved, and a total of eight schools within the Okehampton Learning Community now generate their own electricity.

College principal Daryll Chapman said: 'This is not just about saving money. There are real issues we need to face concerning fuel security and the environment. These matters are in the daily news and we believe it is up to schools to seize the initiative and show the way.

'At a time of immense strain on public sector funding, it is imperative we take steps to reduce our energy bills and direct the financial savings back into the classroom.

'This initiative, together with those already implemented within the college, will not only create invaluable real learning opportunities for our students, but will also help protect the core business of teaching and learning.'

Mr Webber said consultations had revealed a great deal of support for the project, and urged students, parents and other community members to view the plans and make representations to the borough council.