Fears over huge wind turbine plan for South Ayrshire village 

Villagers fear 14 towering 200-metre high wind turbines would spoil their peaceful area.

Energiekontor UK want to build the huge renewable energy machines on hills above Dailly along from the existing Hadyard Hill wind farm.

The proposed Craiginmoddie turbines would be almost double the size of the Hadyard structures.

Speaking on behalf of Dailly Community Council, Fiona De Faye said: “We are concerned about the general cumulative impact on the area and specifically the village. We already get noise from the existing wind farm. We are also concerned about traffic during building work.”

Ms De Faye pointed out about 500 cubic metres of concrete is used for turbine foundations.

She said: “The hills are filling up with cement.”

Villagers showed the Ayrshire Local Democracy Reporting Service how an access road to the proposed farm would be built through fields. A deer bounded through the landscape as we looked on.

Resident Karen Traynor, of Wallacetown, outside Dailly, said she can hear the noise of turbines already from Hadyard Hill, which is operated by SSE Renewables.

She fears the levels will increase if the larger structures get the go-ahead.

She said: “I don’t think they are necessary. How often do you see these wind turbines switched off?”

Ms Traynor compared the noise of turbines to a lorry engine running.

Lights are also to be installed on top of the turbines, which has sparked concerns over the pollution of the dark sky. People have also felt there hasn’t been enough consultation.

A resident of Dobbingstone Farm, which has a view of 16 Hadyard Hill turbines, said she is worried her water supply will be impacted by the new development.

She has also experienced a “roar” of noise and the Hadyard Hill firm adjusts its operation to spare her the din when the wind is in a certain direction.

The woman who does not want to be named said she is mostly concerned about five of the proposed turbines. Commenting on the nature of the area, she said Golden Eagles have been spotted nearby.

She pointed out how a home lies abandoned near the Hadyard Hill development. Its resident complained of noise and shadow flicker – and now the house is empty.

Scottish ministers are to decide whether the development will go ahead. Objections and supporting comments have been lodged with the Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit.

Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP Allan Dorans said: “A significant number of my constituents in Dailly, including members of the community council, have contacted me with serious concerns about the proliferation of windfarms which now threaten to dominate the village on both sides of the valley.

“Of particular concern is the development at Craiginmoddie which will not only affect individual rural households, but with turbines at the height of 200 metres, will overshadow the village and subject the residents to increased frequency, amount and volume of noise and light flicker that would travel down the valley.

“I have personally visited Craiginmoddie and share those concerns.

“I am therefore very supportive of the residents and their objections to specific elements of these developments and have brought those concerns to the attention of the Scottish Government, South Ayrshire Council and the windfarm developers.”

Energiekontor UK have been contacted for comment.