City council planners have given the go-ahead to two major new schemes which will strengthen Bristol's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.

The Development Control (North) Committee approved two schemes including the development of a low carbon energy facility next to the mechanical biological treatment plant currently being built.

The facility, which will be developed on the former Britannia Zinc site off Kings Weston Lane, Lawrence Weston, will be able to receive up to 100,000 tonnes of biodegradable waste from the adjacent MBT plant every year which it will then turn into electricity by heating it to a very high temperature to produce gas fuel.

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The scheme will generate enough electricity to power 13,000 homes, diverting waste from landfill and will create 17 additional jobs.

In addition, the committee also approved the construction of three unmanned wind turbines and associated equipment and plant at Avonmouth Docks.

The site, which is currently used for vehicle storage, is close to land that already houses wind turbines. Each turbine would generate up to three megawatts of electricity via blades 93-metres in diameter and standing 131-metres tall from bottom to blade tip.

Councillor Peter Abraham, Chair of the Development Control (North) Committee, said: "These two new schemes underline Bristol's claim to be the green capital of the UK. They will generate green energy, reduce the city’s carbon footprint, create 17 additional jobs, and help regenerate the Avonmouth area.

"Once again Bristol is leading the way in its pioneering of sustainable development. These are two good news stories for the city.

"When approving the wind turbines application, we gave firm advice to the applicant that the turbines should have as little impact as possible in terms of noise for the residents."

(CD/KMcA)