A Forest of Dean pump company is bidding to build a 37-metre wind turbine.

SPP Pumps in Coleford wants to put up the turbine at its manufacturing site at the Mushet Industrial Park.

Spokesman Mark Gunter said the eco-friendly energy system would help the company meet green targets.

He said: “The turbine will be capable of producing up to 100kw of electricity, approximately 30% of the site’s base load of energy and over the design life of the turbine it will offset 1,290 tonnes of carbon dioxide.”

The three-blade turbine would be a NorthWind 100 model built by Distributed Energy Systems.

Mr Gunter said: “The location of the turbine has been selected to maximise exposure to the prevailing winds, thus maximising the electricity production, and at the same time minimise visual impact on the surrounding views.

“The installation will not alter the shape of any existing boundaries and will not damage any existing vegetation or trees.

“The proposed location of the tower therefore offers the best compromise in terms of financial viability, electricity production and visual impact.”

The Coleford site has been used to make diesel and electrically operated pumps since the 1960s and employs 160 workers.

Coleford Town Council will discuss the plans on December 16.

“We have a green policy and so unless there is a great noise factor which is impacting on nearby residents, I can’t see there being a problem with the application if it will save carbon emissions in the town,” said a spokesman.

A decision should be made by planning officers at Forest of Dean District Council by January 13.