Farm turbine plans rejected 

South Ayrshire Council has rejected proposals for two wind turbines both of which would have been situated near Pinmore.

The plans would have seen a single turbine of 34.5m built adjacent to the Pinclanty Plantation 2.6m to the east of the village whilst councillors also heard an application for a wind turbine of 67m to balde tip which would have been located at the Pinmore Mains Farm.

However, at a meeting of the council’s regulatory panel on Thursday 20 February, councillors refused both applications.

Before the applications were heard, councillors had to agree how they would be determined due to the close proximity of the two applications.

It was agreed by the regulatory panel that the applications should be heard together before determining each proposal on its own.

The first proposal was for the 34.5m turbine which was recommended by planners to be approved.

Speaking on behalf of the applicants Mr and Mrs Warrender, Adele Ellis said that they wished to develop renewable energy.

She added: “Mr and Mrs Warrender very successfully manage a tourism business.

“They have taken the local community into consideration by reducing the size and therefore the impact of the turbine.”

However, Susan Crosthwaite, owner of Cosses Country house was in attendance to oppose on behalf of Kim Terry who resides in the village.

She said: “Scottish Planning Policy do not consider this report consistent.

“The key local concerns are that this turbine would be in a scenic area that is not in the prefered area for wind turbines.”

She claimed: “The London School of Economics has now proven that wind turbines have an adverse affect on property prices.

“Haven’t Barr and Pinmore suffered enough?”

Maybole and North Carrick Ann Galbraith outlined her reason for opposing the turbine

“These turbines are creeping closer to properties and I don’t understand why this is needed. I am not happy with the recommendation.”

Councillor Ian Douglas asked for clairficaton on what height the turbine at Girvan Community Hospital is before saying that he didn’t see much problem with this smaller turbine.

However, on determination an amendment put forward by Councillor Hugh Hunter to refuse the proposal was passed after it was decided that a site visit would not be appropriate.

James Duffie spoke in favour of the proposed wind turbine at Pinmore Mains Farm, representing farmer Alex Wright.

He said: “Alex Wright is a man who is in the soil of South Ayrshire. He feeds half of Barrhill and Barr.

“This isn’t a money making exercise for him. He wants a single turbine in order to diversify and leave a legacy on the land for the children.

However, the proposed wind turbine was rejected due to the reasons set out by council officers.

If passed, the development would have been likely to have had a significant impact on the landscape as well as visually whilst in line with the Ayrshire Joint Structure Plan as well as Scottish Planning policy it would have a cumulative impact on the tourism resource in the area.

And speaking afterwards to the Gazette, Mr Duffy said: “Whilst the decision was disappointing it was heartneing to see two councillors seeming to be sympathetic to Mr Wright’s proposals.

“Mr Wright intends to fully appeal this and we’ll look to redouble our efforts.

“I think that five minutes to present a case which is important to the future of the Scottish countryside and the Scottish economy is not democratic in any shape or form

“And a site visit should have been made eminitely possible before making a decision.”