January 4, 2015
Scotland

Wind farm plans blown off course as council rejects bid for £33 million project

By Stuart Wilson | Jan 04, 2014 | www.dailyrecord.co.uk

A wind farm that had pledged to deliver a multi-million boost to East Ayrshire has been rejected by council chiefs.

The eight turbine plot at High Cumnock was officially knocked back by officials last week.

The decision came despite widespread business and community support for the project, sited between Cumnock and New Cumnock.

Developers Banks Renewables claimed their project would provide a “£33 million shot in the arm for the local economy”.

But council chiefs pointed to a negative visual impact on the landscape when rejecting the proposal.

Banks Renewables are now understood to be considering an appeal against the decision.

Development director, Colin Anderson, stressed his firm “did not agree with the assessment” of the council.

He added: “We are understandably disappointed by the decision of East Ayrshire Council.

“High Cumnock Community Wind Farm would have resulted in an estimated £33 million windfall for the local area over the project’s life.

“It would also have supported 173 local people into employment, training or further education through a five year employability scheme and provided an opportunity to work with local training company NCAT.

“These jobs are over and above those employed constructing, operating and maintaining the wind farm.

“Communities were also hoping to use their estimated £4.8 million of community revenues to deliver the exciting action plans that they’ve developed over the last year or so, with the support of East Ayrshire Council.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/01/04/wind-farm-plans-blown-off-course-as-council-rejects-bid-for-33-million-project/