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Farmer hoping to help grow use of rural wind power
A FARMER is helping sow the seeds of a green revolution with plans for a domestic wind turbine for his home and farm.
If planning permission is given Michael Lount could be using wind energy to power a corn dryer at his farm at Leconfield this harvest-time.
An application for the turbine – which is 24m tall to the tip of the blade – is being heard by councillors next Monday. If passed, it will be one of only a handful to have been granted approval in the area.
Mr Lount, of Wood House Farm, said: "I just wanted to do something to put something back and help with our carbon footprint and hopefully it will supply our domestic needs and any extra will go onto the grid.
"It's quite a serious financial commitment but we are hoping to be on the farm for a number of years. I have two sons who are keen and it should benefit us in coming years as well as lowering our carbon footprint."
Mr Lount, who farms 1,000 acres with his brother, is using Beverley-based One Nation Renewables to supply the turbine. He said: "Hopefully it will pay for itself within five years, although that depends on the price of electricity."
There have been no complaints from neighbours about the turbine, which will be tucked away on farmland three-quarters of a mile from the village. However Lockington parish council has objected.
But East Riding Council says at 24m high the turbine will be less visually intrusive than the many pylons that dot the landscape.
The agents for the turbine Mr Lount has chosen – a 20KW Hurricane GTI – claims that even in strong winds the noise it makes won't be any louder than a normal conversation.
The planners are recommending approval is given for a temporary period of 12 months so noise levels can be assessed.
Councillors have approved an application to build a similar-sized turbine on Mount Airey Farm, Beverley Road, east of South Cave.
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Weather for Yorkshire
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -2 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North west
