WORK has started on a two-week project to build two large wind turbines in Spondon.
Severn Trent Water received permission to erect the 130-metre-high structures at the Derby Sewage Treatment Works, in Megaloughton Lane, last year.
It is expected they will produce about 10,000 megawatts of electricity – equivalent to supplying about 3,000 homes with power.
Spondon resident Derek Hathaway, who has lived in the village for 43 years, was among residents who said he was happy work had started.
He said: "We were warned a few years ago and have had different presentations about it.
"I'm sympathetic to it because Severn Trent have to put turbines somewhere.
"It's out of the way and will not be intrusive."
A 200-metre exclusion zone will be in place around the area while the turbines are put in place, while Severn Trent said it was capturing the construction on film.
Jon Beeson, renewable-energy specialist at Severn Trent Water, said: "The turbines should be operational in the next couple of months.
"We've been working closely with the community so the new additions become part of the neighbourhood.
"Asterdale Primary School has already named the turbines Winnie and Tony and we have also donated about £50,000 to good causes in the area."
It comes as controversial plans to erect two wind turbines – which would be almost as tall as Nelson's Column – on the outskirts of Etwall have been resubmitted for the third time.
Bowler Energy LLP first withdrew its proposals for the land near to Burnaston Lane, in May 2012 – after campaigners highlighted technical issues in the application.
It then submitted a second application to South Derbyshire District Council for the two 45-metre-high structures on the site later that year.
But this was again withdrawn, although reasons why were not given at the time, in March this year.
Now proposals for the turbines – which have previously been opposed by campaign group Burnaston and Etwall Residents Against Turbine Exploitation – have again been submitted.
In a statement to the council about the plans, the Hilton firm said: "The applicant does not seek to argue the construction of the turbines will not have an impact in the landscape.
"The site, design, colour and materials for the turbines have, however, been chosen to minimise these impacts as far as possible, while considering the impact upon the amenity of neighbouring properties."
