SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has been given permission to build two wind turbines branded as "monstrosities" by one city councillor.

The multi-million pound company wants to install the 10.6 metre devices in the store's car park off Millstrood Road, Whitstable.

Power from the six-bladed turbines will be fed directly to the store.

The plans are part of a national project to reduce their carbon footprint - and improve their public image.

Speaking at a planning meeting last Tuesday Tory councillor for Chestfield and Swalecliffe Ian Thomas said "We shouldn't have to put up with these two monstrosities.

"These two structures have the capacity to power four house but they are only going to be run at 30 per cent.

"What a nonsense. I'm sure the committee will grant these because green is all the flavour."

The plans received four letters of objection from residents concerned about noise and the turbines being an eyesore.

Officers said the noise from the rotors would be minimal"

But a number of councillors were supportive of the six kilowatt turbines - estimated to save 24 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year.

Labour councillor for Harbour ward Julia Seath said: "There are only four to six houses that will have these in sight. This is Tesco redeeming itself in my eyes."

Tory councillor for West Bay Vince McMahan joked: "It may only be 30 per cent but every little helps!"

The plans were granted with councillors voting 13 to one in favour of the turbines.

Tesco spokesman Adam Fisher said they were delighted to receive permission. He said: "This investment is part of our community plan, cutting energy use where we can to lower our carbon footprint.

"The inaudible turbines use the latest technology and are very efficient and will genuinely help meet the energy needs of the store.

"We hope customers are excited and hope it demonstrates in a clear way our commitment to tackling climate change.

"These particular turbines are designed specifically for built-up areas because they are silent and they work very well with low wind speeds."

Tesco has 2,109 stores in the UK and another 2,000 worldwide producing 4.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.