Back Fell Wind Power Station – 10/08/23

Posted on by

Some will recall that in 2013 there were proposals for around 130 wind turbines encircling the village of Straiton. The first out of the trap was Linfairn then Sclenteuch, Knockskae, Dersalloch, and Glenmount, towards Loch Doon. This led to the formation of Save Straiton for Scotland which objected to the proposals which would have an adverse effect on the community in terms of landscape, residential amenity, noise and shadow flicker. In the final analysis Dersalloch (23 turbines) was built, Keirs Hill or Sclenteuch (14 turbines) was refused at public enquiry, Knockskae (11 turbines) which went to South Ayrshire Council was refused and the applicant did not appeal, Linfairn was withdrawn at the 11th hour, and Glenmount towards Loch Doon was also withdrawn.

In 2018, just 3 weeks after Linfairn was withdrawn, Carrick was proposed followed by Knockcronal and Craiginmoddie. More recently Sclenteuch has been proposed. While the number of turbines is less than in 2013, the impact will be increased as the height of the turbines will be of the order of 200m. To give some idea of what a turbine this size will look like consider that the Hunter Blair monument is approximately 20m tall. These new turbines will be 10 times as tall as you can see below.

If you thought that enough was enough, think again!

A scoping stage report has recently been submitted to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit for the BACK FELL WIND FARM. This is on the old Knockskae site in Glenalla forest but takes in Dalmorton forest with the proposal being 14 x 200m turbines. The applicant states that the village of Straiton will be approximately 900m from the site which is much nearer than any of the 3 schemes that are currently the subject of a public inquiry. The nearest turbines will be approximately 1km from Knockskae, Little Garroch, Balbeg, Dyke, and Knockgardner, and the application area bounds with the Straiton, Dyke and Knockgarder road. Copies of the Scoping Report and the proposed site layout can be downloaded from https://www.energyconsents.scot/ApplicationDetails.aspx?cr=ECU00004830

If you feel that this is getting too much for the community please contact the below who will be considering the scoping report and raise your concerns.

Save Straiton for Scotland will prepare a more comprehensive objection and circulate shortly to assist with registering an objection with the above. However in the meantime register your concerns with our community councils.

Save Straiton for Scotland will be holding its Annual General Meeting in September at the McCandlish Hall, Straiton and we urge all to attend to find out more about the public inquiry and this new serious threat to our community. Details of the meeting will follow soon.

Thanks for your continuing support.

The Save Straiton Team

Have your say