A TRURO supermarket hopes to build a wind turbine to provide renewable energy and encourage shoppers to go green.

Tesco Stores has applied for planning permission to erect a 10-metre high, six kilowatt micro-turbine in its car park at Garras Wharf.

The supermarket giant estimates the turbine will generate sufficient electricity to supply the equivalent of four UK households, and prevent the emission of 24 tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere every year.

It also hopes the turbine will act as a landmark and encourage more people to think about green issues such as renewable energy, recycling and energy-saving.

Moise Coulon, who has prepared the planning application for the company, said the kind of turbine envisaged is ideally suited to urban environments and has minimal impact on surrounding properties.

He said in the application: "In addition to the environmental benefits, the wind turbine would provide a small reduction to the store's operating costs, although given the number of stores and depots throughout the UK, the cumulative impacts of such renewable energy developments at each site would be significant."

The type of turbine Tesco hopes to install in Truro has already been installed at other sites in the UK and Cornwall, including at Padstow and Camborne, and has an expected lifespan of 15 years.

The design sits in an area equivalent to four car parking spaces and is protected by a rail to stop cars bumping into it.

Unlike conventional turbines with two or three blades which spin on a vertical axis like a propeller, the compact 'windrotor' consists of two sets of three aerofoils mounted horizontally within steel frames, one above the other.

The Italian manufacturers say the innovative, compact, lightweight design helps keep noise levels low, increases efficiency, and allows it to operate in all wind conditions.

The supermarket's planning application acknowledges that the supermarket site is close to the Malpas estuary which is a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) and special area of conservation (SAC), and says that its proposed turbine has been specially selected to minimise impact on these areas.

Mr Coulon said: "The turbine would be well related to its surroundings and would not appear dominant, particularly when viewed in the context of the adjacent store, trees and lighting columns, all of which are located in this predominantly commercial environment."

Residents have until November 27 to comment on the application to Carrick District Council.