Lochgelly Community Council has this week reported that AMEC Wind Developments are withdrawing their proposals for six wind turbines at Lochore Meadows Country Park.

The company held a series of exhibitions in the area in July as they bid to get public support for the proposals at Hilton Farm.

Secretary of Lochgelly Community Council, George Elder said on Monday, “At a meeting attended by Lochgelly, Lumphinnans, Cowdenbeath, Kelty and Benarty Community Councils, held on Thursday 30th at the Country Park, AMEC Wind Development announced that they are ‘withdrawing from the Development’ and ‘will not be pursuing a planning application’.

“This brings to an end Lochgelly Community Council’s public consultation on the existing proposal and we have now published the final results on our website” The Lochgelly Community Council carried out an extensive public engagement process, which included door-to-door leafleting, pop-up stalls, and local display stands.

Chairperson, James Glen added, “Since the AMEC proposal was classed as a major development, with part of the development within the boundaries for the Lochgelly Community Council, it was important to engage with residents, collect their views and opinions, so that the LCC could provide representation during the planning process.

“The engagement process happened over a six week period, using a variety of methods, with Community Councillors volunteering to ensure that the engagement process was as inclusive as possible with the limited resources available to the organisation.” With AMEC withdrawing their development proposal, the Lochgelly Community Council has released a final report on their consultation.

George Elder went on, “Having been a Community Councillor for less than a year, the opportunity to engage and gather the views of Lochgelly residents was one I relished, recognising that the views of the people of Lochgelly is the basis of the stance of the Community Council is an important message, and was as important during the engagement process as the issue of the Wind Farm Development “That AMEC have decided to withdraw from this development shouldn’t take away from the fact that many residents chose to provide their views and for that we are very grateful.

“The Community Council are committed to maintain this level of engagement, there are many difficult issues ahead of us that will require the input of the people of the town, and the Community Council are looking forward to hearing residents’ views.” The final report for the public consultation is available online at www.lochgellycommunitycouncil.com and will be made available at Lochgelly Library.