A COMMUNITY is set to find out more about plans to erect a 60m high turbine on the outskirts of a picturesque village. 

Plans have been revealed to construct a single wind turbine, substation and access track in Kirkby. 

According to the proposal from United Utilities, the turbine will reach 60m in height and will be located near to the sewage works at Cross Beck. 

The firm says it is expected that the development could help keep water bills in the immediate area at just £1 per day, in addition to reducing carbon emissions and securing a reliable supply of electricity. 

However, Bob Morrish, Kirkby Ireleth Parish Council clerk, reported some concerns within the community. 

He said: "I know there are a lot of people who think it will be an eyesore. 

"Because of where it's going and the area being relatively flat there, people think it will stand out like a sore thumb. "

The turbine is expected to generate around 552MWh a year, which is enough to power 237 homes. 

Construction is scheduled to take around four months to complete and will include building the foundations and the access track before the turbine is erected in the final week. 

Residents have been warned that the work could increase construction traffic along the A595 while it is being carried out. 

However Bob Hodge, a resident of Soutergate, says "there's no gain without pain."

He said: "I personally have got no objection to it. It's about a mile away from where I live so it's not going to affect me at all. 

"The A595 through this area is a massive problem anyway but along where we are in Soutergate we don't have the same problem that they have further north. 

"If the traffic came via Grizebeck it could cause a major problem but if it came from Barrow I don't think it would."

United Utilities will be holding a public consultation today at the Kirkby in Furness Community Centre at Beckside between 3pm and 8pm. 

The company expects the planning application to be submitted to Cumbria County Council at the end of March. 

Read more about traffic on A595:

Campaigners call for upgrade of South Cumbria route

Campaigners discuss A595 trunk road potential for South Cumbria to Sellafield