A bid to build a second wind turbine to supply power to a factory has been given the go-ahead after the Ministry of Defence dropped its objections. 

KL Technologies applied to build the turbine, with a tip height of 100m, on its site on Estuary Road, in King's Lynn.

But the defence ministry initially objected, raising fears about its impact on air traffic control systems used at nearby RAF Marham and the risk to low-flying aircraft.

The MoD later dropped its objection, although no reason was given for the U-turn.

West Norfolk council's planning committee voted in favour of the development, despite being recommended to turn it down by planning officers.

In its application, KLT warned that rising energy prices could drive it "out of business".

The firm, which employs more than 200 people, said savings from an existing turbine on its site had protected jobs and enabled the business to expand since it was commissioned in 2014.

The company, which manufactures specialist textiles and ceramics, said the turbine would bring "significant economic, social and environmental benefits" to the area.

It said the proposal was essential to its continued growth and had "strong backing from the local community".

Councillors were told that national policies state developments of more than one turbine should be rejected unless they are for land which has already been identified as suitable for wind power generation.

But Terry Parrish said power generated by the turbine would benefit a local industry, rather than providing profits for unknown companies based elsewhere.

And Francis Bone said he thought turbines were "graceful" and the benefits of green energy outweighed any potential harm to views around the riverside.

"Historically we had windmills everywhere," he said. "That's how we used to drain the Fens."