THE operators of the Little Raith wind farm near Mossmorran have been given permission to erect a 75-metres high mast.

Kennedy Renewables' plans were approved by Fife Council's west planning committee last week despite 47 letters of objection.

The firm want to put up the wind monitor mast to check on and optimise the performance of the nine wind turbines at Little Raith. It will be allowed to stand for 20 years.

Some objectors believed the proposal was a "precursor to a future application to extend" the operation while others were concerned about the cumulative impact and the effect on birds.

A council report said the application was "acceptable due to its location and minimal physical or visual intrusion on the rural landscape".

The Little Raith wind farm, on agricultural land to south of the A92 and Cowdenbeath and Lochgelly, was given planning permission in 2008.

Nine turbines, each 125m high, were then built and a community development fund, the Four Winds Trust, was set up to distribute wind farm proceeds to local groups and communities.

Kennedy Renewables applied for an extension in 2014 with a further six wind turbines, as well as an education and visitor centre, included in the proposals.

The council did not approve the plan and the firm's subsequent appeal to the Scottish Government was dismissed and planning permission refused in the summer of 2015.