PLANNING permission has been granted to site a 46.3 metre wind turbine at Portfield Gate, Haverfordwest.

The application from Matthew Tidmarsh came before Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee on Tuesday, March 11 with the recommendation for conditional approval.

It sought permission to erect a 50kW wind turbine at Ratford Farm, home of the company Egg Shed Limited.

Nick Jackson addressed the committee on behalf of Mr Tidmarsh.

He said: “The company employs 10 members of staff, five full time and five part time.

“It is a fast-growing business but needs resources to maintain its growth in the local area.

“Last year alone it saw a £1,500 rise in its electricity bill, and funds generated by the turbine will go back into the business."

He added that Egg Shed Limited was recently selected to supply eggs to Waitrose, and in 2011 was successful in securing a Pembrokeshire Lottery loan to expand its poultry unit.

Councillor Peter Stock said: “I am not against this application, and it’s nice to see that the National Park has not objected, which is amazing in that particular area.

“The shadow flicker does concern me though. The turbine on the Broad Haven road has a tremendous amount of shadow flicker which does affect motorists.”

The head of planning, Hywel Wyn Jones said: “I don’t expect it to be an issue in relation to this application. It is not comparible with Broad Haven.”

Cllr Brian Hall's move to approve the application was seconded by Cllr Wynne Evans. All councillors voted in favour, except Cllr Peter Morgan who abstained.