Plans to build a wind turbine in the Cambridgeshire fens are under threat because the proposed site is close to a top security prison.

At a meeting on Wednesday night, Fenland District Council's planning committee voted to approve in principle the plans for a 107-metre-high turbine near March.

But the Home Office has raised objections on security grounds, as the perimeter wall for Whitemoor Prison is just 200 metres away.

The prison became notorious in 1994 when six inmates, including five IRA prisoners, escaped for a brief period.

Planning permission

The plans to build a wind turbine and a 10-unit industrial estate have been submitted by Snowmountain Investments, a March-based company.

They say the two-megawatt turbine could be in place within a year of planning permission being granted.

However, the Home Office fears the turbine could disrupt the security system at the prison.

A spokesman for Fenland District Council said the committee felt the Home Office was "overstating" the potential problem.

The council now wants to grant planning permission - unless the Home Secretary steps in.