January 28, 2014
Scotland

Fears Fife landfill site turbine ‘will make life there scarcely tolerable’

By Michael Alexander | The Courier | 28 January 2014 | www.thecourier.co.uk

Permission has been granted for an 85-metre wind turbine at Fife Council’s Lower Melville Wood landfill site, near Ladybank.

The application by Fife Council asset and facilities management services was overwhelmingly approved by the council’s north east Fife planning committee.

Recommending approval, planner Robert Stirling said in his report that the proposed turbine would be visible in the landscape but mainly at a distance.

On the potential cumulative impact of other turbines in the area, he said: “Some views will include few of the approved turbines, at a distance in the background, but a balance has to be struck between the level of visual impact, which in this case is considered to be low, and the need to address climate change expressed by the Scottish Government.

“The proposal meets current policy guidance in respect of this type of development and, on balance, it is considered appropriate to recommend approval for this single medium-sized turbine at this location.”

The report stated the nearest residential property is 620 metres to the south-west.

But some councillors asked questions about the accuracy of the visualisation of turbines as described by artist’s impressions. Concerns were also raised about the potential visual impact on users of Ladybank Golf Club.

Howe of Fife councillor David MacDiarmid disagreed with the position that residents would not be affected.

He said: “They can’t have their tea with the curtains open because of the view of the landfill site. And now a turbine? I think it’s a step too far and will have a detrimental visual impact. I move refusal.”

However, Mr MacDiarmid was unable to find a seconder and the application was approved.

A spokesman for the East Fife Turbine Awareness Group said: “While there was no statutory requirement to consult the management of Ladybank Golf Club and, through them, their members on the proposal, it would have been a courtesy to do so and there is no doubt the presence of the turbine will have a damaging impact on the recreational amenity of the club for members and visitors alike.

“We visited Windmill cottage and have no doubt that the visualisation of the turbine from there underplays the impact on the occupant’s amenity and, coupled with the stink of gas from the landfill, will make life there scarcely tolerable.”

“We are critical of the agent/consultant’s work, which has been taken at face value by the planner and the committee. The uncertainty raised by Councillor Heer and the concerns raised by Councillor MacDiarmid deserved further scrutiny and the fact this is a Fife Council application should have demanded that.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/01/28/fears-fife-landfill-site-turbine-will-make-life-there-scarcely-tolerable/