NEIGHBOURS of a school are upset that they’ve been kept in the dark about plans for a wind turbine.

Baden-Powell and St Peter’s middle school in Parkstone only canvassed pupils’ parents about putting a 15-metre high turbine on the playing field.

Last week a turbine of the same strength had to be turned off at a school at Portland, near Weymouth, because it was killing seabirds.

Mill Lane resident Margaret Allen says she’s spoken to 30 households who are worried about the noise and feel let down.

“We put up with all the traffic coming up and down our quiet road at school times and thought they would have the courtesy to let us know,” she said.

“They’ve completely sidelined us by only polling parents, not asking our thoughts.

“We’re aggrieved and would like a public meeting where everyone can air their opinion.”

Mrs Allen went to look at the planning application, which says the “pleasant site in a quiet area” is well suited to wind power because it is only a few hundred yards from the coast. It’s estimated it could shave 20 per cent off the school’s electricity bills.

Mrs Allen said the noise of the turbine could be an issue, a view shared by James Sydenham, of Mill Hill Close. He said: “This area is known for its tranquillity. Wind turbines give off a residual noise which would massively impact the local residents, including ourselves.

He added the “imposing” height of the structure would not be in keeping with the natural surroundings.

Head teacher Geoff Pike said the school was following the correct process.

“There will also be a solar panel creating energy for the school, some of which may go back into the grid,” he said.

“At the same time, it will send a message to our children that the future is very much about sustainable energy.”

Branksome East ward councillor Phil Eades, whose children attend the school, said they were excited by the “brilliant” plan.