Plans by RES for a proposed new wind farm in East Ayrshire have been rejected by the Scot-Govt following a public inquiry.
Scottish industry Minister Keith Brown said the 17 turbine Keirs Hill wind farm near Patna is not acceptable because of the height of the turbines in this location, as well as the impact on the nearby houses and on historic sites, notably the Waterside ironworks complex.
Keirs Hill Wind Farm could have an installed capacity of between 51-57.8 megawatts (MW), with a blade height of 149 metres.
Brown said: “Our policy on wind farms strikes a careful balance between maximising Scotland’s huge green energy potential and protecting some of our most scenic landscape and wild land area.
“We have been clear that wind farms can only be built in the right places and Scottish Planning Policy sets out steps to ensure wind farms are sited appropriately and sensitively.
“I have considered this application fully and recognise the efforts made by the applicant to mitigate the potential impacts of the development. However, I have refused permission due to the landscape and visual impact the project would have, including the effect on residential and historic sites in the area.”
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