A SCIENTIST is hoping to install a wind turbine to help power his laboratory out in the country.

Environmental chemist Dr Laurence Blake, who runs Hill Court Farm Research, near Pendock, has applied for planning permission to install the 12-metre (39 foot) generator.

The electricity it produces will help power his lab and his home, enabling him to cut down on the amount of electricity they use from the National Grid.

"We use about 16,000 kilowatt/hours a yerar, and if we're lucky, we should be able to get about half of that from the wind turbine," said Dr Blake.

He said this will be the equivalent of between two and four tonnes of carbon saved each year.

"And if we get permission to connect it to the National Grid, we can even sell power back to them, say at night when it produces electricty that we don't need," he added.

He said he had discussed the proposal with some of his neighbours and so far no-one had objected to the turbine. Its proposed site is at a safe distance from the public footpath that crosses the field, and will be fenced off.

The plan has been sent into Malvern Hills District Council and can be inspected at the contact centre at Malvern Library or from Eldersfield Parish Council.

Hill Court Farm Research offers independent research, consultancy and analytical services for agriculture, horticulture and the environment.