TWO huge wind turbines are set to be built on the Ardeer peninsula – after the Scottish Government overturned a decision by North Ayrshire Council to reject the plan.
The Farm Energy Company has now been given the go-ahead to erect the 150m – 492ft – wind turbines, which will help to power the nearby Berry BPI plant.
In late 2024, North Ayrshire Council refused the proposal, on grounds that the turbines would impact nearby houses, some just 750m away, both visually and from potential noise.
It followed objections from local residents and nearby explosives plant Chemring, as well as Prestwick Airport and air traffic control chiefs, who warned it could affect radar on planes passing overhead.
The airport withdrew its objection to the plan before the Scottish Government decision was made.
Stevenston Community Council also objected on grounds of the impact on visual amenity, loss of woodland, biodiversity, recreational amenity and the economy.
At the local authority planning meeting in 2024, former fireman and Kilwinning SNP councillor Scott Davidson said: “The height of the turbines is 150m and it is just 575m to the east of a residential development.
“I am normally supportive of wind turbines and renewable energy, but this set alarm bells ringing with me.
“I was on duty at the Ardrossan wind farm fire. Some of the blades were carried well in excess of a kilometre. People thought a plane had crashed.”
But now the Scottish Government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division has agreed that the turbine plan should go ahead.
In the summary, reporter CJ Leigh said: “The environmental impact assessment predicts significant visual effects from parts of the settlement of Stevenston itself.
“However, visibility from within the built-up parts of Stevenston would be very limited. https://www.irvinetimes.com/news/25807788.scottish-government-overrules-ardeer-wind-turbines-refusal/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPpV6tleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeYhRRInUOxHJPnK-O1naGfMq93_k63MpbwZSMaRdJ2tov2xzFQdpmBlym-3o_aem_m_8NTnv_GM9MKYGPMEA1Vw
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