December 2, 2017
Scotland

Carrick wind turbine plans blown off course as giants fail in bid

By Stuart Wilson | Daily Record | 1 Dec 2017 | www.dailyrecord.co.uk

Brookfield Renewables have failed to win permission for eight giant masts at Altercannoch near Barrhill.

A power giant’s bid to build more wind turbines in Carrick has been blown off course.

Brookfield Renewables have failed to win permission for eight giant masts at Altercannoch near Barrhill.

The turbines, which would have towered 430ft high, were thrown out by South Ayrshire councillors.

Gemma Hamilton, speaking on behalf of Brookfield, said the project would generate more than £6million of construction spend.

And she argued the project was a “well supported proposal”.

Some village leaders also added their voice in a bid to have the plan driven through.

Anne Robertson, vice chair of Barrhill Community Council, said potential community investment could prove vital.

She said: “There are a significant number of the Barrhill community who support this proposal.

“Running a business in the village is tough and our bus service is under constant pressure of cuts.”

But objector, Pat Spence, said: “I am already surrounded by 184 giant turbines with the prospect of that number rising to 300.

“My ears are permanently sore and I suffer from stabbing pains living so close to this.”

Councillors were told that 29 homes would fall within 2km of the proposed build.

Planning councillor, Ian Cavana (Labour), said: “My concern here is very simple – the impact this is having on residents is unacceptable.”

And Peter Convery (Conservative) said: “I recognise the need for renewable energy.

“And the area around this site is certainly conducive to big wind speeds.

“But there are a number of issues around letting this happen.

“And there is no overriding reason to depart from planning policy.”

The application was unanimously refused.