A STRETTON farmer is hoping to slash the cost of his electricity bills by installing two wind turbines.

The application from Tim Blackshaw, a member of Stretton Parish Council, would involve building two wind turbines measuring 34.5m and 24.5m.

The larger one would have a 19.2 metre diameter and the smaller would have a 13 metre diameter.

They would be sited on land at Walnut Tree Farm on Northwich Road if plans get the go ahead.

An application from Mr Blackshaw said the farm is looking to reduce the cost of electricity for the business and for the farm’s carbon footprint.

An average of £1,000 is said to be spent on electricity at Walnut Tree Farm.

The turbines would be made of of galvanised steel and would be painted a dull grey colour. The turbines’ blades would be white.

Any additional electricity supplied by the turbines would be exported for national distribution, the applicant claims.

Further changes would include replacing cars used with electric cars powered by a renewable electricity supply.

Clr Paul Kennedy (CON – Hatton, Stretton and Walton) said: “It is a contentious application , people have great concerns about wind turbines. And I know from speaking to some residents that they have great concern about the affect they will have on their homes.”

A previous application from Appleton Thorn resident Michael Madden was thrown out by planning officers in January following concerns that the 15m turbine would pose a risk to aircrafts and air traffic control at Manchester Airport.

St Matthew’s CE Primary School in Stretton applied for a 12m mast on the school’s Stretton Road grounds last year but withdrew the application following a bat survey.