October 8, 2014
Scotland

Trump organisation to oppose Knoweside plans

By Ewan McQueen | Carrick Gazette | 08 October 2014 | www.carricktoday.co.uk

The Trump organisation is to submit an objection to proposals that would see seven wind turbines built at Knoweside Hill.

Sources close to Donald Trump confirmed that the tycoon will submit an objection to South Ayrshire Council against the plans by Banks Renewables.

The news comes after three public exhibitions detailing the project were held in the North Carrick area last week which showed strong support for the proposals.

However, that hasn’t stopped one Maybole man who attended voicing his objection to the planned turbines.

Robert Dalgleish has set up a Facebook page entitled “Stop Knoweside Wind Farm” and is hoping to get others on board to back his campaign.

He said: “I have only just started the campaign this week so it is just me at the moment however I would like to expand it and get more people on board to help.

“I only have the Facebook page but would like to set up a website, start a petition, make some posters and leaflets to and try and gather as much support as possible where we can all submit an objection once the planning application has been submitted to the council.”

“My main opposition to this wind farm is, we have enough wind farms around the area and in Scotland, and the countryside is littered with them.

“They are an eyesore, it’s getting to the stage in Scotland where you can’t go up a hill or mountain without seeing a wind farm, and they are dangerous to birds, bats and other wildlife.

“Wind farms are inefficient and we should be looking at other means of renewable energy.”

However, speaking after the exhibitions Colin Anderson development director at Banks Renewables, said: “Having attended three of the events, I was able to see first-hand the enthusiasm shown by the majority of attendees for this unique opportunity.

“The people I spoke to really seemed to like the idea of being part of a committed partnership that will be able to make a positive difference within their own communities. Something that would not just be about the here and now, but would support the long term future of the area and the people and businesses in it.”

Mr Trump’s official confirmation of his organisation’s objection comes after he responded to a tweet by Mr Dalgleish last week.

After attending the exhibition Mr Dalgleish tweeted “They are planning on building wind turbines near Turnberry golf course on Knoweside Hill.”

The tycoon’s objections to wind farms in Scotland has long been known with Trump only committing to a £5m clubhouse extension at his course in Aberdeenshire as he battles Scottish Government plans to extend wind farms in the area.