Frank Cassidy, Reporter
Scottish Ministers have refused planning permission for a windfarm just
north of New Cumnock.
The application for six turbines on land at Garleffan had previously been
knocked back by East Ayrshire Council in 2016.
Following an appeal by the developers, Peel Windfarms, the matter was
referred to the Scottish Government who have made their ruling.
In the report by Lorna McCallum, an explanation is given on how and why the
proposal was refused, referring to what economic benefits the windfarm may
or may not bring.
A number of scattered residential properties are near the site, which
comprises agricultural land and part of two former surface coal mines.
Mrs McCallum said there would be ‘some socio economic benefits as a result
of the development but jobs generated over the lifetime of the development
would be fairly limited’.
There were also differing viewpoints on the landscape and visual
assessment, which the developers claimed would be confined to within 2km
(1.4 miles) of the turbines.
However, the council said that the significant adverse impacts on landscape
character had been understated and would extend to 5km (3.2 miles).
Another issue was uncertainty over a possible shared ownership scheme which
Mrs McCallum said was not guaranteed.
“I note that the appellants have offered the community an ownership share
equivalent to up to a third of a turbine.
“However this does not form part of the unilateral agreement proposed and
no details have been provided of any intended community investment that
would be derived.
“It is quite clear from Scottish Government guidance that although such
contributions are supported they are voluntary and are not a material
planning consideration,” she said.
Her conclusion was: “The development does not accord overall with the
relevant provisions of the local development plan and that there are no
material considerations which would still justify granting planning
permission.”
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