A 78-metre wind turbine could be built off Mattishall Road near Dereham under plans submitted to Breckland Council.

Energy company EDP wants to build the turbine, a sub-station, vehicle access tracks, crane pad, and a construction compound on an area of privately-owned land accessed off Bush Lane.

According to a planning statement, submitted by EDP's agent Turley, the landowner – who runs the Dereham-based agricultural business Bunting and Sons – would lease an area of the site to EDP, who will fund the wind turbine if permission is granted.

The report says the landowner will then receive a proportion of the Feed In Tariff which will be payable upon provision of electricity to the national grid.

The report says: 'This commercial arrangement will assist the landowner in meeting the cost of rising energy bills associated with the operation of their agricultural business through the provision of an additional income revenue stream; the proposal therefore comprises a recognised rural diversification initiative.

'It will also meet the long held objective of the landowner to make their contribution to the provision of renewable energy and reduce reliance on energy from fossil fuels.'

According to the highways, transport and access report, Mattishall Road's proximity to the A47 makes Bush Lane 'a practical opportunity for access for the delivery of components and other construction materials necessary'.

A landscape and visual assessment says: 'The proposed turbine would theoretically be seen cumulatively in combination with the existing turbines at Weston Airfield and the proposed turbines at Shipdham. However in reality the landscape and visual cumulative assessment indicates that there would be no significant impacts that could not be mitigated or reversed.'

But Wayne and Patricia Leverett, who live on Mattishall Road said: 'We believe that due to the proposed location and size of the wind turbine we will be prone to continuous noise which will disturb our sleep patterns the most, which will also affect our day to day living.'

The plans will go to Breckland Council's planning committee on a date to be decided. A decision is expected to be made by July 29.

What do you think of the turbine plans? Email dft.letters@archant.co.uk.