Hundreds Left Disappointed By Council Decision

OnPath Energy Press releases

Banks Renewables PR from Holyrood PR Public RelationsEast Ayrshire Council has rejected plans to build an eight turbine wind farm, despite the proposals being strongly backed by many local businesses and local communities.

The widely supported High Cumnock Community Wind Farm proposal, situated on land between Cumnock and New Cumnock, would deliver clean, green energy and an estimated £33 million shot in the arm for the local economy over the 25 year lifetime of the project.

East Ayrshire Council in recommending refusal of the application noted that 470 letters of support were received for the application and only eight letters of objection. Those supporting included the two statutory community councils and many local businesses.

Banks Renewables is now considering whether to appeal against the decision.

Colin Anderson, development director at Banks Renewables said: “We are understandably disappointed by the decision of East Ayrshire Council to refuse the application for High Cumnock Community Wind Farm.Banks Renewables Holyrood PR Public Relations Partnership

“In making its decision the Council stated it did not feel that the identified benefits of the project outweighed the Council’s view of the visual impact the eight turbines would have on the landscape.

“We do not agree with this assessment.

“High Cumnock Community Wind Farm would have resulted in an estimated £33 million windfall for the local area over the project’s life. It would also have supported 173 local people into employment, training or further education through a five year employability scheme and provided an opportunity to work with local training company NCAT. These jobs are over and above those employed constructing, operating and maintaining the wind farm.

“Communities were also hoping to use their estimated £4.8 million of community revenues to deliver the exciting action plans that they’ve developed over the last year or so, with the support of East Ayrshire Council.

“We’ve already had a number of the project’s supporters urging us to challenge the decision due to the desperate need for the investment this unique project would bring to the area. We will take this into account when considering whether to appeal against the decision.”

For more information on this important project that would bring precious jobs, investment and renewable energy to East Ayrshire see: http://www.banksgroup.co.uk/high-cumnock/


 

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