A FAMILY farm in Hundleton has won planning consent for a wind turbine to offset rising energy costs.

The planning application from Richard Morris was discussed by members of Pembrokeshire’s planning committee on Tuesday (September 9).

It sought permission to site a 34 metre turbine at Quoits Farm on Bentlass Road, prompting concerns from the community council about the turbine’s location between electricity lines, flicker effect, impact on TV signals and access among others.

There were also concerns about the turbine’s impact on the nearby Pembroke Castle, but Cadw commented ‘the turbine will constitute at worst a low adverse impact’ on the setting of the castle.

After considering the responses of all the consultees, planning officers recommended that the application be approved subject to conditions.

Addressing the committee, Mr Morris said: “The farm has been in our family since 1920.

“We have 300 dairy cows and employ two local people.

“Our electricity bill has risen to £1,000 a month, so we started looking into renewables to offset these charges.

“We were advised a 50kW turbine would be fit for our requirements and I believe the location is well suited for a turbine.”

Councillor Keith Lewis said: “I have total support for this application. It’s in line with what we should be encouraging. It’s designed to improve the sustainability of an agricultural business.”

A vote in favour of the recommendation to approve the wind turbine was unanimous.