Farm Shop Owner Wins Planning Permission
Posted by Louise Miles on
Despite a flood of protests from his neighbours, a dairy farm owner has invested £500,000 to build a 213ft wind turbine on his land
The Orton Grange Farm near Carlisle has now gained planning permission for a turbine that will supply power to the farm, farm shop and café, a unit making ice cream, a hairdresser, a beauty salon and a swimming pool. It will also provide electricity to nearby Grays Boarding Kennels and a farm cottage.
Although, local residents believed the turbine would be too near to homes, A-roads and low-flying aircraft – the council, however, could still see the eco-benefit.
David Gray, on behalf of Orton Grange Wind Energy, urged councillors to approve the proposal. He said, “It’s an unusual opportunity to support several local businesses at the same time and it’s an opportunity to provide clean and renewable energy.
“Turbines always seem to be an emotive subject but the fact that only objector is speaking [at the meeting] shows what a good site this is,” he says.
The turbine will have the potential to generate 330 kilowatts of electricity.
Farmer Richard Martin expects the £500,000 investment to pay for itself within ten years.
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