Published: Wednesday, 13th January, 2010 10:20am

Gone with the wind ... Fairlie turbine project thrown out

Comments (0) | Print | Email

North Ayrshire Council unanimously rejected an application by Fred Olsen renewables for a wind farm following a storm of local protest.

The popular area for walkers has panoramic views within the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park and is also well used by paragliders and hang-gliders. The visual impact was one of the leading concerns not only to visitors using the walk but to coastal areas around the Firth of Clyde which has been recognised as an area of the economy which offers potential for future growth, planners say.

Following Save Clyde Muirshiel Park public meetings in Fairlie, and a grand total of 1687 letters of objection against the five wind turbine project, the council planners rejected the application, stating it would have 'an adverse landscape and significant visual impact' and would be 'detrimental to the interests of tourism and recreation'.

Mr John Riddell of Fairlie Community Council spoke as part of a delegation of protesters at North Ayrshire Council's planning committee. He said: "We are fully aware of the Scottish government's commitment to renewable energy. The response of Scottish Natural Heritage in opposing this is important due to the adverse visual impact of considerable significance. Secondly, Clyde Muirshiel's objections, and thirdly the proximity of the wind turbines to the village. Scottish ministers recommend that there should be a separation of 2 kilometres with residential property, and Fairlie houses at the south end of the village are only 1.5-1.6km away. Fairlie Community Council considers this too close proximity.

"Fairlie is a small community but subject to major development pressures as we have marinas north of the village and lost significant public access to the beach, and power stations and a coal terminal to the south, and an application for a coal power station pending. The hills are of great value to the village and they should be protected from the intrusion of any future development."

Mr Jim Miller of the Planning Department said: "In relation to recreation, it is recognised that Kaim Hill is a popular destination for local and visiting hill walkers, the route being well sign posted throughout Fairlie. The presence of the turbines, access tracks, borrow pits and other ancilliary buildings were considered to greatly reduce the enjoyment of recreational users at the site."