NINE wind turbines could soon be producing electricity from the roof of the University of Derby.

A planning application has been submitted to Derby City Council for permission to build the 2.5 metre structures on the south tower of the Kedleston Road campus.

The university wants to reduce its environmental impact and save energy.

Notification has been sent to 66 neighbours and several have already raised objections. The consultation period ends on Monday, November 23.

The nine grey wind turbines, each with five black blades, would be in a row on the tower's south-west edge, overlooking the A38 bypass and university car park.

The university says they should only be visible from the front of the tower and the nearest properties from where they could be seen would be on Kedleston Old Road.

Brian and Diane Webster, of Carsington Crescent, Allestree, are worried about the noise the wind turbines might make and that they may be unsightly.

"If the planning is approved and we are disturbed by the noise, what steps will be taken to rectify this?" they asked.

And Adam Perry, also of Carsington Crescent, said: "The negative impact on the environment through the process of transport, manufacturing and extraction of natural resources to create the turbines is far greater than the gains to the local community."

But another Carsington Crescent resident, Susan O'Key, is supporting the application. She said: "It's good to see such a big organisation is helping the environment and setting a good example."

The university is confident any noise will be minimal.

A survey says noise levels in offices directly below the turbines' roof space are expected to be within the recommended levels of 38 to 48 decibels.

That is the noise measured in a room next to an operating dishwasher.

A university spokesman said: "Like any sizeable business or organisation, we rely heavily on computers and other electrical equipment, some of which must run outside office hours.

"The wind turbines' electricity generation will lessen the carbon footprint of the South Tower and wider university.

"This is in line with our policy of using renewable energies to reduce carbon emissions where possible. We wrote to local residents to inform them of our plans, along with our work to improve the look of the towers, in July 2008."

The application is scheduled to be decided by December 8.