THE new wind farm proposed for an area to the north of the town would have a completely different look about it to the Little Raith facility, Lochgelly Community Council was told.

Community councillors and members of the public were presented with information relating to the proposed wind farm between the town and Lochore Meadows Country Park.

Developers AMEC advised Wednesday’s meeting, held at the Lodge Minto 385 Hall, that that should there be approval for their plan then six wind turbines would be built on the land, each at a height of 100m, which is slightly smaller than those at the Little Raith Wind farm. As part of the proposal AMEC outlined details of the Community Ownership scheme which could see as much as £269,000 per year being divided between the communities involved in the project.

This would be made up with the communities having part ownership of the wind farm and receiving profits from one turbine as well as the community benefit fund, which is provided as part of these developments.

AMEC also advised that they would hope to work in partnership with the local communities and Fife Coast and Countryside Trust, on the creation of the farm as part of an educational scheme. Although further assessments would be undertaken by Scottish Natural Heritage, AMEC stated that there would be no impact on wildlife or the environment. The presentation was followed by a range of questions and observations from the Community Councillors and members of the public. These included the initial equity costs associated with the start-up of the farm, which local communities would need to fund their share in the wind farm, approximately £500k, the significant visual impact that the proposed turbines would have on the area, noise pollution, and potential effect on people’s health and well-being.

Community Council Secretary, George Elder, said, “I believe that it is vital that we have an informed discussion on the proposals to develop wind farms in our area.

“We found from the recent survey in the Central Fife Times that people in our town have mixed views on these projects. “Whilst it is essential that we look toward sustainable options for the provision of our energy requirements, we shouldn’t rush ahead with plans which may have negative consequences on the communities whom they are being developed for. “Equally, we cannot simply reject proposals without informed debate. Tonight’s event was the start of a consultation to allow more information to be provided.” He added, “This proposal is visually, significantly different from the one at Little Raith. “Whilst the Little Raith Wind Farm, south of the town, has an industrial back ground, the back drop of the Lomond, Benarty, Bishop hills and the country park, is entirely different.” If the proposals are formally submitted to Fife Council, then Community Council will have to weigh-up the needs for alternative forms of energy for generations to come, with the effect on the people and countryside surrounding the plans.