A DUNDEE couple, encouraged by The Courier’s coverage of energy-saving devices and “green” issues, have put forward a planning application to Dundee City Council to have a wind turbine added to their property.

The Robbs have been interested in installing a more eco-friendly device for a few years.

They have gone ahead with the turbine plan after researching alternatives like solar panels.

“We would like to do something positive to help the planet and our motivation for the wind turbine is more for ethical than economical reasons,” said Anthony Robb.

Environmentalists have credited wind turbines with reducing household bills as well as cutting the negative impact on the environment.

“It may be that we do save some money over the next few years if the planning application goes ahead, but there are so few things that we can do as individuals to support the planet that we wanted to make this effort,” said Mr Robb.

“We saw a piece in The Courier about a house in Dundee which had installed a similar wind turbine to the one we are hoping to have on our home.

“It gave us the encouragement to put forward our own bid to have such an eco-friendly device.”

The proposed wind turbine will sit a few feet above the highest point of the roof on the north side of the two-storey property on Ancrum Road.

“Planning permission for wind turbines is required as technically the property is having an extension added to the current structure,” said Mr Robb.

“We’re feeling very positive about the outcome as we know that Dundee City Council is strongly in favour of the law being relaxed concerning planning permission on an energy-saving addition to a home.”

Despite the perceived benefits, some have expressed doubts on the value of domestic turbines.

Research, conducted by the Carbon Trust and the MET Office, indicated that installing turbines on roofs of homes in built-up areas may not generate enough green energy to counter the carbon emissions created by their manufacture and use.

The main problem appears to be with the difference in wind speeds between rural and urban areas.

Installations in more exposed country places can be very effective, claims the report, with four times as much electricity and carbon savings as cities and towns.