Windfarm expansion claims ‘false and irresponsible’

Suspicions that St Andrews University wants to expand the windfarm it hopes to build south of the town have been rubbished.

Campaigners against the renewable energy scheme at Kenly fear the gate is being left open for more turbines in the future.

The accusation by Kenly Landscape Protection Group was fuelled by news that a cable from the turbines to the university estate will have three times the voltage previously anticipated.

There is also worry the nine-mile long 33,000 volt cable will pose a significant health risk.

But the university insisted it had no intention of erecting more than six 328ft high turbines and that there would be only one cable, not two as claimed.

Graham Lang, spokesman for KLPG, said: “Two 33,000 volt cables provide far more capacity than the six 100m turbines consented at Kenly require, so the only reason for the increase must be that the university has an ambition to expand the windfarm.

“Certainly the way the turbines are concentrated in one half of the site suggests room is being left for another six or more turbines.

“The 33,000 volt cables will require larger trenches and create even more damage to roads, verges, hedges and trees than 11,000 volt cables.

“They also significantly up the health risk for people living nearby.”

A spokesman for the university described KLPG’s claims as false and irresponsible.

He said: “We have no ambition to expand the windfarm.

“The cable must be that capacity to cover the length of the proposed route from Kenly to St Andrews to avoid electrical losses and a rise in voltage.

“It is simply nonsense to suggest otherwise.”

He also denied a larger trench would be required and more damage to road, verges, hedges and trees caused and said the cable would comply fully with Government guidelines.

The planning application for the cable is expected to be determined on August 10.