September 13, 2013
Scotland

Enjoy the view of the turbines

Sep 13 2013 by Edwin Lawrence, Ayrshire Post | www.ayrshirepost.net

Six more wind turbines will be visible from Girvan harbour and prom.

For the Scottish Government has ruled another windfarm can be built south of the town.

And the ruling spells misery for people who live in the scenic Assel Valley.

A planning reporter, appointed by Scottish ministers, has decreed 11 turbines can go up in the valley.

And at least six of these will be visible from Girvan.

He upheld an appeal lodged by Falck Renewables, who reduced the total from an original 17.

South Ayrshire Council failed to approve the application, which attracted 200 objections.

And they backed objectors with a statement recommending the government kick out Falck’s appeal.

However, Iain Urquhart, a planning reporter appointed by Scottish ministers, has ruled the 11 turbines can go up.

He states: “I find that all the proposed turbines, with the exception of the southernmost turbine close to the top of Dalfask Hill, would be set back from the most visually prominent hill tops and valley edges.”

But he goes on to admit: “There would be clear views of all or parts of up to six turbine blades from the harbour and esplanade and from other points on the southern and eastern edges of Girvan.”

However, he rules: “I do not consider that this would create a significant adverse impact on the landscape character or the scenic attractiveness of any part of Girvan or the coastal fringe to the north and south.”

John and Kay Siddell, of High Tralorg, are two of the objectors who are left devastated by the reporter’s ruling.

Mrs Siddell, 68, said: “It’s become overwhelming. We have been living in the back of the house, to get away from the turbines on Hadyard Hill. Now there is no escape.

“We live in a world of turning, thumping turbines – it’s a nightmare. You can even hear them above a Formula One motor race on TV.

“And we keep the curtains closed because of the flicker effect of sunshine through turbine blades.”

She added: “I fear for the wildlife. Migrating birds come to our valley to get away from Hadyard Hill. Now they’ll have nowhere.”

Mrs Siddell praised planners at South Ayrshire Council, who she says have been swamped with windfarm applications.

“They’ve been under the cosh – that’s why they failed to process the application. And Falck kept changing their plan.”


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2013/09/13/enjoy-the-view-of-the-turbines/