September 4, 2013
Scotland

Council say no to proposed Barhill turbines

Carrick Gazette | 04 September 2013 | www.carricktoday.co.uk

Plans that would have seen eight wind turbines erected five miles east of Barrhill have been rejected by South Ayrshire Council.

The proposals were voted against by the council’s Regulatory Panel at a meeting on Thursday 29 August.

Before the application was heard, 247 representations had been received, of which 236 werre opposed to the plans, with only 11 in favour.

The panel heard a passionate objection from Andrew Sinclair, a Barrhill resident and member of their Community Council.

He said: “I am objected to these proposals for a number of reasons.

“The Corwar Farm would see an addition to the 28 turbines at Markhill which I should point out I didn’t oppose.

“However, this proposal for eight 25m high turbines is unworkable. We are trying to promote tourism in this area and I already know of two BB’s in the area whose owners would plan to put them up for sale if this went ahead.

“The access would be near to the A714 which would create noise and stress for the people in that area since they would be only 700 metres away from the site.”

The issues surround shadow flicker from the turbines were also raised as a concern to residents living nearby and was one of the reasons why the council decided to reject the plans.

Chair of the regulatory panel Councillor Peter Convery said: “I will never forget the lady who told us about how stressed and ill she had become due to the shadow flicker.”

Councillor Convery also outlined further reasons for rejecting the proposals including the fact that the site would have been located outwith the areas of search for windfarms, the cumulative impact would have a significant adverse effect on landscape character and visual amenity.

Other reasons outlined in the report as reasons for refusal were the effects on tourism and economic development, the effects on communities and the impact on both the cultural and natural heritage in the area.

The regulatory panel also rejected plans for the erection of two wind turbines near Crossraguel and Kirkoswald but not without expressing some regret at the decision.

The panel heard from Alan Caldwell, who is based at Leffinwyne Farm, home of the proposed site.

He outlined his arguments for support arguing that if he didn’t reap the rewards from these turbines, then jobs could possibly have to be axed as a result of a battle with Wiseman’s over his price of milk

“We have seven lads here working and they aren’t treated like workers, they’re more part of the family. If I can’t get the money, then I could see each pint of milk I sell cut by up to 4p a litre.”

Councillors noticeably sympathised with Mr Caldwell’s position.

Councillor Convery said: “I think it is appalling that Wiseman’s can act in this way but with all due respect that is not a matter for the panel to decide.”

It was agreed in line with the report that the originally rejected application that the size and position had not been altered enough.

Meanwhile, Scottish Power renewables will be in Pinwherry and Barrhill next week to discuss the Markhill wind farm extension plans.

On Wednesday 11 September they will be at Pinwherry Community Hall from 3pm until 7pm and the day after at Barrhill Memorial Hall from 5pm until 8pm.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/09/04/council-say-no-to-proposed-barhill-turbines/