The retail giant has lodged another planning application for a micro turbine to contribute to the electricity needed to run the heating, refrigeration and air conditioning at the supermarket, in Southend Road.

If approved, the single turbine, expected to be around 30ft-high, and accompanying plant room will be built behind the main building, within the service yard.

The report accompanying the application said the turbine system would be functional and basic but in keeping with the industial character of the surrounding area.

A similar proposal, for a six-kilowatt turbine in the customer car park, was withdrawn in January after it attracted opposition from Hunstanton Town Council and residents, both concerned about its potential impact on the town.

The scheme was dismissed by some as a publicity stunt and town councillors feared the turbine would create noise pollution and set a precedent for further such developments in the area.

Tesco has submitted plans for wind turbines at its stores across the country in a bid to reduce its carbon footprint while saving cash and the Hunstanton development was to be one of its first projects.

The latest application comes just six months after plans for a 108ft-high turbine at Lynn’s Tesco store, in Hardwick Road, was rejected by West Norfolk Council.

Members of the council’s development control board raised safety concerns and there were again fears it could set a precedent for other wind turbines in the town.

In April, Lynn’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital also saw its plans for a wind turbine, which could have saved it thousands of pounds a year in energy costs, rejected on the grounds of safety, noise and visual impact.

The Hunstanton application can be viewed at www.westnorfolk.gov.uk and comments must be submitted before Friday, September 19.

ENDS.