The operators of the 196 metre high wind turbine situated off the Methil
coastline have succeeded in having a key planning condition amended.
Councillors at this month’s central area planning committee saw no reason
to object to Samsung’s proposal to amend the set levels of background noise
that the operational turbine must meet to that of a variable rate which
takes into account surrounding conditions.
Since the turbine became operational in October 2013, Samsung have
expressed difficulty in meeting the fixed background noise levels which
they claim were unduly set too low when the original planning approval was
granted.
The committee made no objection to the request but noted that with Marine
Scotland about to submit planning applications for two further
demonstration turbines off the same stretch of coastline, a condition
regarding the cumulative effect of several such operations must be taken
into account.
Councillor David Alexander called for a more stringent monitoring from the
three fixed monitoring stations and suggested a liaison committee be set up
as a means of dialogue with operators.
The turbine has faced opposition from lobby group Scotland Against Spin.
Graham Lang told the East Fife Mail: “The whole point of the application to
vary the condition is to allow the turbine to make more noise and so
increase its work rate.
“It has scarcely turned since it was commissioned because it cannot meet
noise conditions so it wants to up them.
“A variable limit based on how much noise Bi-fab makes will be a nightmare
for residents and an embarrassment to Fife Council who will be unable to
enforce a condition.”
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