PLANS for a giant 100-metre wind turbine have been given the thumbs-down by Bournemouth council.

Members of the planning board voted to register an official objection to the proposals for a massive turbine almost twice the size of Nelson's Column.

But the final decision will rest with their counterparts in Poole, who are currently collating reaction to the ambitious scheme.

The plans have been submitted by Bournemouth and West Hampshire Water, which wants to become more environmentally friendly by harnessing the wind at its site at Francis Avenue, Alderney.

It estimates the electricity generated by the turbine would provide 60 per cent of its site needs.

But Bournemouth councillors believe it would be a giant blot on the landscape and would have an unacceptable impact on nearby residents.

The turbine would be 250 metres from the nearest Bournemouth residents and would be visible from many parts of the town.

In his report to councillors, planning officer Stephen Clark attempted to give some idea of the scale of the proposed turbine by pointing out that the Richmond Gate flats development at the top of Richmond Hill was 38 metres high.

"I am of the opinion that due to its enormous height, which would tower over adjoining buildings and pylon structures, the proposed wind turbine would have an unacceptable impact on the character of the immediate locality and wider area of Bournemouth," he said.

"I accept that the structure is relatively slender compared with, say, a pylon and its simple design is not un-pleasing to the eye but I am uncomfortable with the apparent massive size," he added.

Bournemouth International Airport has also lodged an objection to the application, claiming the turbine could cause problems for their radar systems.