Keirs Hill wind farm refused

Keith Brown, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work, has today refused planning consent for a new 17 turbine wind farm near Patna, East Ayrshire.

Ministers have considered the application fully, following a public inquiry. 

When considering the Keirs Hill wind farm Ministers decided that the proposed scheme is not acceptable because of the height of the turbines in this location, as well as the impact on the nearby houses and on historic sites, notably the Waterside ironworks complex.

Ministers concluded that on balance the impacts of the proposed development would not be outweighed by any wider benefit in respect of energy generation and climate change mitigation.

Mr Brown said:

“The Scottish Government’s policy on wind farms strikes a careful balance between maximising Scotland’s huge green energy potential and protecting some of our most scenic landscape and wild land area.

“We have been clear that wind farms can only be built in the right places and Scottish Planning Policy sets out rigorous steps to ensure wind farms are sited appropriately and sensitively.

“I have considered this application fully and recognise the efforts made by the applicant to mitigate the potential impacts of the development. However, I have refused permission due to the landscape and visual impact the project would have, including the effect on residential and historic sites in the area."