STORE group Marks and Spencer is seeking the green light for a mini renewable power station at its Cribbs Causeway store.

The retail giant wants to erect six wind turbines, each more than 50ft tall, on the roof of its store at The Mall.

Bosses say the £200,000 scheme would produce sufficient power to make a significant dent in the store's carbon footprint, helping the firm meet its target of becoming carbon neutral by 2012.

But the proposals, due for discussion by South Gloucestershire development control watchdogs next month, have already prompted objections from community leaders.

Parish councillors in Almondsbury, whose remit covers The Mall, say the towering structures would spoil the building's aesthetics and set a dangerous precedent.

The store's proximity to Filton airfield has also raised concerns for aircraft safety and impact on radar systems and the Civil Aviation Authority is seeking more information before giving its own response.

Each turbine could produce 9,600 kwh of power per year and a spokesman for the firm's agents, Faber Maunsell, said the masts would be "aesthetically pleasing".

He said they would consider topping the structures with flashing red lights to mark them as a flying hazard.

M&S spokeman Clare Wilkes said: "We have chosen Cribbs Causeway because wind conditions there are perfect for wind turbines."