Windfarm opposition
The long suffering community of Barrhill, plagued by wind pylons, have finally been backed by their council.
Power barons want to extend a moorland windmill farm known as Arecleoch with a new breed of MEGA MILLS 656- feet high.
They would be among the tallest planned in Scotland.
Scottish Power Renewables want another to build 13 giant structures, which will dwarf neighbouring windfarms.
The site – spread over 3500 acres – is under two miles south west of Barrhill.
Nearby pylons are 387 feet to the tip of the blade.
The official objection was revealed at a rescheduled council planning meeting on March 24.
South Ayrshire Council has carried out extensive work on the application, which was submitted last summer. It has now sent an objection to the Scottish Government , the only body which has power to approve the plan. It has raised hostility from the area and 86% of households objected in a survey by Barrhill Community Council.
Colmonelly and Lendalfoot Community Council also say: “The area has reached saturation point in relation to turbines. They are excessive in scale and we have concerns over noise/ shadow flicker and the adverse impact on flora and fauna.”
Three farms are already operational. They are Arecleoch ( 60 turbines), Kilgallioch ( 96) and Mark Hill ( 28). At Chirmorie, 21 windmills have been approved and another 24 at Stranoch.
The 13 planned mega turbines can put out 72.8 mega watts.
South Ayrshire Council is concerned the development will have “significant adverse effects on the character of the Duisk Valley.
They say: “The turbines within this proposal would be substantially and noticeably larger and significant adverse effects would arise on Glen Tig.
“There will be significant adverse effects on views from the popularly accessed hill of Knockdolian.
“It is further considered that this could result in significant adverse impacts on views from the wild land area and core area of the dark sky park, as well as adverse impacts on the wild land qualities of the Merrick Wild Land Area.”
In their objection to Scottish Ministers, they say the Scottish Power plans would have an “unacceptable impact on the character of the Duisk Valley and Glen Tig” as well as breaching the official Development Plan.
The government will consider the objection at a later date.