A LANDOWNER who says his fruit farm business is being buffeted by the winds of Brexit has applied to put up a 100ft high wind turbine to provide cheaper energy.

The turbine would provide green power for the 130-acre Castle Fruit Farm near Newent, which owner Michael Bentley says has seen a loss of seasonal workers since the vote to leave the EU.

A statement to Forest planners says: “Given the current political turmoil following the decision to leave the EU, Castle Fruit Farm has been experiencing a decline in available workforce, resulting in produce being lost on the tree and reduced production rates.

“Rising energy costs are further pressuring businesses such as this. This development will provide Castle Fruit Farm with energy security for the future, allowing investment into the business and peace of mind in terms of energy consumption and cost.”

Although in view of the medieval Castle Tump site, the turbine will be largely screened by woodland, claims the applicant, whose farm is off the B4215.

The report adds: “A large processing and packaging facility has been constructed at the farm to ensure speedy processing and despatch of fruit picked onsite.

“This development aims to directly address climate change, reducing the farm’s carbon footprint and reliance on the National Grid network which draws energy from traditional fossil fuelled stations,” they add.

A report carried out by Cogeo Planning and Environmental Services says that although the site is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near the Malvern Hills, it will have little impact on neighbours or wildlife, with the main people affected being walkers on footpaths.

The owner says the business has five full-time employees and around 30 seasonal positions.