A windfarm plan for one of the “most scenic” landscapes in East Ayrshire
has been turned down.
Developers wanted to erect seven turbines only 1.3km from New Cumnock on a
sheep farm.
Innogy Renewables offered the New Cumnock community the chance to invest 15
per cent in the venture at a cost of £3.8 million.
Councillors rejected the 135m tall turbine bid at the East Ayrshire
planning committee Friday (September 28) after officers recommended its
refusal.
A council report said the plan would bring wind farm development closer to
“more settled, sensitive landscapes.”
It described Glen Afton as one of the most “scenic and sensitive in East
Ayrshire.”
It stated the Ashmark Hill proposal would cause “significant adverse
landscape and visual impacts.”
Innogy offered the New Cumnock Development Trust shared ownership of the
wind farm at 15 per cent. The community company had not accepted so far but
had vouched support for the renewable proposal.
Councillor John McFadzean questioned whether the trust would be able to
raise £3.8 million.
The Conservative councillor said: “We don’t want to stand in the way of
progress.”
New Cumnock Community Council also supported the development stating the
“scale of the proposal is appropriate in the context of the surrounding area.”
It is the second attempt to build a wind farm on the site by the same
developer, which was previously called RWE Innogy UK. The earlier bid, also
thrown out, was similar with seven turbines but they only reached 116m high.
Councillors undertook a site visit to consider the matter on Tuesday.
Karen Fox, Innogy head of development strategy, said: “We are very
surprised and disappointed with today’s decision. It does not reflect the
support for the project. No objections were raised by any statutory
consultees and only two by members of the public.”
The company is considering whether to appeal.
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