June 21, 2012
Scotland

Controversial plans for community wind farm turned down by council

STV | news.stv.tv 20 June 2012

Controversial plans for what would have been the first community-owned wind farm have been turned down by the council.

Newburgh Community Trust had hoped to build three 100-metre turbines on Lindores Hill, Newburgh, Fife.

The trust claimed the scheme would generate £1m a year for local projects.

But the proposals, which had split the community, were rejected on Wednesday by Fife Council’s North East Fife area committee which met in Cupar.

It was decided that the scheme should be rejected due to the visual impact.

The Trust say its now considering appealing the decision.

There had been a large scale public debate over the wind farm including an online backlash.

On Wednesday the meeting heard that many of the objectors support the principle of wind power but not at the location proposed.

The main letters of objection related to it being contrary to local and national policy guidance, scale and height of the turbines, impact on landscape and environment, proximity to residences, impact on tourism, shadow flicker, noise and impact on property prices.

The letters of support highlighted the principle of renewable energy and the essential nature of renewable energy.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/06/21/controversial-plans-for-community-wind-farm-turned-down-by-council/