By Leeza Clark
Plans have been submitted to extend Little Raith Windfarm.
Kennedy Renewables, which owns and operates the windfarm near Mossmorran,
wants to add another six turbines to the nine which have operated there
since November 2012.
The windfarm reportedly produces enough electricity to power 14,500 homes
each year.
The six proposed turbines would be 415ft to tip height, comparable in scale
to those already there.
After announcing extension plans last year, Kennedy Renewables held
consultations including public exhibitions and community liaison forum
meetings.
Ahead of these public exhibitions, the company took the decision to remove
a proposed seventh turbine which would have been closer to Auchtertool.
It was removed after a review showed it appeared isolated compared to the
rest of the scheme.
The application includes proposals to build an education and visitor centre
at Little Raith Windfarm, which will allow schools, colleges, universities
and community groups to visit and learn more about Fife’s first commercial
windfarm and how it operates.
This will be funded entirely by Kennedy which will employ a community
engagement manager.
The existing windfarm pays £49,500 a year to the Four Winds Development
Trust, which manages funds on behalf of the community councils in
Cowdenbeath, Lochgelly, Lumphinnans and Auchtertool.
Separate to the community benefit fund, Kennedy Renewables is working
closely with Fife College, providing funds to the college to set up the
Kennedy Renewables Educational Fund and sponsor Cowdenbeath FC’s youth team.
Managing director Jonny Kennedy said: “We are extremely proud of Little
Raith Windfarm and the warm welcome that we have received in Fife since the
windfarm started operating in November 2012.
“We have already invested over £20 million in the Fife economy by building
Little Raith and our community benefit fund will invest £1.25m in the local
communities over the next 25 years.
“If approved the extension will allow us to further invest in the Fife
economy and into our community benefit fund. We are committed to this
programme of investment and hope Fife Council look favourably on our proposal.”
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