Wind turbine scheme to power lettuce farm

31/07/2012

A lettuce grower wants to install a 110ft wind turbine to provide power for the business.

JC’s Country Fresh Produce in Whitestake, near Penwortham, has applied for planning permission to erect equipment on its premises off Parker Lane.

The family firm, which supplies fresh vegetables to Booths and Spar, said the 50kw turbine would help supply about a third of the farm’s power needs through green energy.

A planning statement, prepared by planning agent Aspire on the company’s behalf, claimed it would have a “minimal landscape impact” and said: “The proposed development will produce an environmentally safe energy-producing wind turbine.

“This will allow the facility to not only reduce its dependency on fossil fuels, but also the associated costs which would ensure the longevity of a local farm business.

JC’s employs 20 full-time staff and up to 60 people during its peak season, and has been growing vegetables, including lettuces, cabbages, celery, beetroots and leeks, since 1952.

It already uses solar panels but Paul Coxhead, managing director, said on cloudy days the power emitted through them is reduced.

He said the turbine could reduce their power bills - currently around £50,000 a year - by up to 50% and added: “The turbine would be close to two huge pylons so is no more an eyesore than they are. It will help power the greenhouses.”

One Whitestake resident has written to the council, raising concerns about noise and visual impact on the landscape and claimed it may set a precedent for “ever more wind turbines” in the area.

Farmer Ted Clayton’s application to erect an 80ft wind turbine at his egg business in Flag Lane, Penwortham, was rejected by the planning committee in June. Hundreds of neighbours objected about potential noise and proximity to their homes.

By LM

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