I WAS surprised to read in the CFT, Kennedy Renewables implying that out of 800 households seen in their survey 45% of households are supporting the development.
Having access to the data that Kennedy Renewables have collected, this is an utterly self-serving and untrustworthy piece of work by Kennedy Renewables to persuade politicians that local communities are happy about a project which will make Kennedy Renewables tens of millions of pounds while further degrading the environment and quality of life for local residents.
In terms of households, there was only 92 households that provided a response, 51 households in Cowdenbeath with 55% in support, 25 households in Lochgelly (27% support), 10 households in Lumphinnans (11% support), and 6 households in Auchtertool (7% support).
Thankfully, local councillor Mark Hood and MSP Alex Rowley recognise the unbridled greed of the developers and have spoken out publicly against the scheme at Little Raith.
Further to this, the Loch of Shining Waters poll of 556 individuals, show that 451 (81%) of those polled are against the development, with only 105 (19%) in favour.
This is also reflected on the planning website, where there has only been 23 letters of support and 291 objections (as of 28/10/14).
The real question is why Kennedy Renewables is misrepresenting the overwhelming will of the local communities?
The reason why Kennedy Renewables is ignoring local feeling is because consent will either come from Fife Councillors or, if they refuse the application, the Scottish Government, as Kennedy Renewables will undoubtedly appeal.
Either way the decision for an extension is political, and politicians will need an excuse, however bogus, to justify giving consent. Local communities are not being won over by the bribes or mendacious “opinion polls” being churned out by Kennedy Renewables, and nor should their elected representatives.
Residents can still register their objections at: http://tinyurl.com/object2LR JAMES GLEN (Secretary), Loch of Shining Waters Walker Street, Lochgelly.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here