A WIND turbine is proposed for the University of Derby to reduce its carbon footprint but residents say it should look at solving parking problems to help the environment.

The university wants planning permission for a 15m-high mast and turbine in the car park at the Kedleston Road campus.

It has asked Derby City Council to approve the installation of a turbine capable of generating 3,047kwh of electricity a year.

According to a planning application sent by the university, it would produce an equivalent "CO2 saving" of 1.73 tonnes.

Two objections have been sent to the council along with two other letters of comment about the plans, which are due to be decided by a meeting of the planning control committee, which takes place at the Council House from 6pm on Thursday.

Colin and Jennifer Sinclair, of Maxwell Avenue, which is next to the university, said more trees should be planted to lessen the impact if permission was granted.

Their letter to the council says: "We are concerned about the view and the overpowering feeling that the building already has, without a huge wind turbine."

Another objection sent to the council from Adam Perry, of Carsington Crescent, Allestree, questions whether the cost of production outweighs the environmental benefits.

He says: "If the university was serious about reducing carbon emissions, they would take a serious look at the traffic and parking congestion problems their campus and facilities create. Nearly all cars entering the Kedleston Road site only have a single occupant."

But the planning application from the university says the development would have little impact on nearby residents.

It says: "The area is in the University of Derby's grounds and the nearest residents are 100m away, on Kedleston Old Road.

"The closest residential properties are the only ones that will see the wind turbine and even then, only a small number of properties will have a direct line of sight. Other properties will have significant protection through trees - one line in the university, the other by the A38.

"The outline the mast and turbine present is small in the context of the adjacent university buildings, which also feature telephone masts and a large satellite dish."

It says the height of the white turbine has been chosen to have the minimum amount of impact, while capturing the maximum amount of wind energy available.

In November last year, permission was given for the university to put up nine wind turbines on its south tower as it tries to boost its green credentials.