March 1, 2007
U.K.
U.K.
Controversial plans for a windfarm near a country park have been ruled out.
A proposal to build 19 turbines – each around 300ft high – in Kelburn Estate, near Largs in Ayrshire, has been rejected in the face of major opposition.
Planning chiefs said the windfarm posed a threat to the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park environment and the tourism industry.
The 108 sq mile park attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Council chiefs said the windfarm was also contrary to the Ayrshire Structure Plan which designates suitable areas for possible wind farm development.
The Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park Authority said the windfarm posed a threat to ecology, tourism and recreation.
The application, by Renewable Energy Systems Ltd, was unanimously rejected by North Ayrshire’s planning committee.
Robert Maund, chairman of the Scottish Council for National Parks, said: “We hope this wise decision heralds the beginning of the end for the developer-led scramble for windfarm consents, which is threatening to overwhelm the regional park and destroy it as a place of recreation.”
In another application, air traffic control bosses called for plans for a windfarm to be blocked.
The National Air Traffic Services says 400ft turbines’ blades and towers, planned for Dalmell-ington would cause chaos for the airport, as they reflect radar signals and make them look like moving planes.
by Caroline Wilson
1 March 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/03/01/major-blow-for-windfarm-plan/