April 26, 2007
U.K.
U.K.
A last minute bid will be made to overturn a council decision to back a controversial wind farm plan.
South Ayrshire’s planning convener, Peter Convery, will appeal to fellow councillors to back the move when they meet on Thursday morning.
The Tory councillor hopes to persuade two-thirds of councillors to support his motion to suspend the council’s standing orders.
If successful, it means that the decision not to lodge a formal objection to the Dersalloch Hill wind farm application with the Scottish Executive could be overturned.
Councillor Convery said: “Given that thousands of jobs, both at the airport and in the wider community, could be at risk if this decision is not reversed, it is vital that the full council have an opportunity to debate and decide whether a public inquiry is made.”
Just five Labour councillors voted to support the application, which will see 26 giant turbines erected at the site between Straiton and Dalmellington.
The move prompted bitter criticism from Prestwick airport chiefs, who insist that it could have a major impact on air safety and the airport’s economic future.
Councillor Convery added: “I have no doubt given the fundamental issues that could affect the very viability of the airport operation that a public inquiry is essential.
“We cannot leave this decision to an unknown Scottish minister who may have no interest in the future of Prestwick Airport.
“We have the power to give thousands of Ayrshire citizens who objected to this proposal, along with the airport, the right to have these matters debated in a public forum. We cannot let them down again.”
25 April 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/04/26/eleventh-hour-bid-to-halt-farm/