A bid to install two 150m high wind turbines less than a mile outside Dundonald has split opinion in the village.
The matter was raised at Dundonald Community Council last week, with one resident making an impassioned speech arguing that South Ayrshire Council will be considering a plan that delivers power to North Ayrshire – more specifically the nearby GSK.
But another resident said that the turbines would be more likely to get the green light and that the community should focus on getting the best community benefit it can.
He pointed out the Scottish Government recommended guidance for such a community benefit would be £5,000 per mW installed.
The Farm Energy Company are yet to make any detailed proposal, but estimate the fund to be around £21,300 annually.
One resident argued against the the 150m turbines being installed so close to the village.
She said the the company had been ‘disingenuous’ during the consultation last month, suggesting that their survey focused on ‘gathering views on alternative forms of power’.
She continued: “This is a commercial venture. I asked whether the turbines would run at night.
“They said that these turbines are ‘a bit quieter’ and that they would be run at night.
“My feelings are quite strong and I don’t think it is right that we should have a commercial entity entering, we are becoming an industrial park.”
She added that there was no clarity on the community fund.
“I asked how that would be managed, whether it would be index linked or even guaranteed. They couldn’t say.
“Just look at the wind farms at Straiton or Ardrossan. Is that what we really want for our community?
“I appreciate that we need alternative sources of power. Lets be absolutely clear, this is not for the community.
“It is not about reduced prices for power for the community.”
However, another resident followed up to back the move.
They said: “I think it is a great idea. GSK is a large industry that supports multiple families all across Ayrshire.
“We need to focus on the payment. It is actually double what they propose. The chances of the proposals going ahead is very very high, so we should get everything we can for the community. It is the future. ”
The Scottish Government recommends £5,000 per MW installed, while the developer is suggesting £2,500. That figure is also dependent on the specification of the turbines installed.
The Farm Energy Company says that it hopes to be in a position to submit a planning application this summer.
Read next:
- Hugh Grant stuns diners at Ayrshire restaurant after arriving in town
- New parking restrictions at Ayrshire retail park with £100 fine warning issued
- Ayrshire takeaways in 'sad copycat' war of words over logo and brand colours
- Retired Ayrshire teacher sheds six stone after 'challenging herself'
- 'Horrendous' Ayr High Street flats plan approved as local makes 'torture' comparison
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter
