July 12, 2014
Scotland

South Kyle Wind Farm bid knocked back by council

Carrick Herald | Published: 12 Jul 2014 | www.carrickherald.com

Plans for 50 towering turbines near Dalmellington have received a setback – much to the relief of residents.

East Ayrshire Council has formally rejected the South Kyle Wind Farm plan from energy firm Vattenfall but the Scottish Government has the final say.

Planners say the wind farm would hit tourism and impact air traffic control radar systems.

There have also been concerns it could impact major tourist attraction – the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory.

Dalmellington Community Council chair Rae Murphy said: “We are delighted East Ayrshire has backed our decision to object to the application.

“The wind farm would deter visitors to the observatory and ramblers.

“The observatory is gaining momentum and attracting visitors, which helps the regeneration of the village.”

An East Ayrshire Council spokeswoman said: “The council is objecting on the grounds that the potential benefits don’t outweigh the significant adverse visual and landscape impacts that the development would involve.

“There would also be an adverse impact on the amenity of the residential properties; an unacceptable impact on tourism and an adverse impact to the surveillance radar at Lowther Hill.”

Vattenfall said it was disappointed by the council’s decision.

Alison Daugherty, Vattenfall’s senior project manager, said: “It is estimated that throughout the two-year construction period and 25 year operation, South Kyle Wind Farm could help to create or retain 150 local jobs.

“The planning committee’s decision will now delay investment to the area.

“We remain committed to maximising the local economic benefit that South Kyle Wind Farm could bring to South West Scotland.”

The 150-metre high structures would be located between Patna, Carsphairn, Dalmellington and New Cumnock.

The up to 170MW project will cost more than £190 million to build.

Dumfries and Galloway Council decided to raise no objection to the wind farm earlier this year.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/07/12/south-kyle-wind-farm-bid-knocked-back-by-council/