March 9, 2007
U.K.
U.K.
An appeal over plans to build a windfarm in Auchtermuchty will be lodged with the Scottish Executive.
Developer, Energiekontor UK Ltd. intends to appeal on grounds of non-determination after Fife Council failed to reach a decision on the proposal.
The move means that an independent Scottish Executive reporter will decide on the company’s five turbine scheme instead of local councillors.
Energiekontor UK director, Guy Wilson, said Fife Council had been given eight months to make a decision on the £7 million scheme, including a four month extension, but had made “little progress”.
“It is regrettable that we have been forced to put the matter in the hands of central government,” he said.
“Since we granted Fife Council more time they have been unable to give us any indication of when a decision could be made.”
North East Fife MSP, Iain Smith, said he had written to the company expressing his regret over its decision on the matter, which he said was complex and required a full and proper local consultation.
Andy Heer, chairman of Auchtermuchty Community Association, also reacted angrily to the move, which he said was an attempt to “circumvent the democratic process”.
The appeal will be considered at a public inquiry later this year.
9 March 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/03/09/storm-as-windfarm-firm-lodges-appeal/