Ardeer wind turbines plan rejected by North Ayrshire Council

The wind farm - which was originally planned to host three giant turbines - would help to power the nearby Berry bpi plant and planning officers had recommended the application by the Farm Energy Company be approved with conditions.

But there were objections from nearby explosives plant Chemring, as well as Prestwick Airport and air traffic control chiefs, who warned it could affect radar on planes passing overhead.

And the recommended approval was finally overturned after councillors warned about the impact on nearby houses, both visually and from potential noise.

Kilwinning councillor Scott Davidson - a former fire crew member - agreed the turbines would be too close and told of his experiences when the Ardrossan Wind Farm went on fire during stormy weather in 2011.

He told a meeting of North Ayrshire Council's planning committee today (Wednesday): "The height of the turbines is 150m and it is just 575m to the east of a residential development.

"I am normally supportive of wind turbines and renewable energy, but this set alarm bells ringing with me.

"I was on duty at the Ardrossan wind farm fire. Some of the blades were carried well in excess of a kilometre. People thought a plane had crashed."

The Ardrossan wind farm fire (Image: Newsquest) He added: "The reality is, this was gale force conditions, coming from the south west. These wind turbines are south of the residential area at the bottom end of Stevenston. With that in mind, 575m isn't very far for a wind turbine of this height.

"The problem at Ardrossan was the brakes jammed on and the wind was too strong. I would be taking that into consideration."

As well as objections from the public, relating to impact on the environment, the proximity to housing and potential noise, neighbouring Chemring along with Prestwick Airport and National Air Traffic Services (NATS) urged that the plan should be refused.

The airport and NATS warned the turbines could have an impact on radar as planes took off or landed.

Stevenston Community Council objected on grounds of the impact on visual amenity, loss of woodland, biodiversity, recreational amenity and the economy.

They added: "SCC consider that erection of such structures next to a populated area is inappropriate."

During the planning meeting North Coast independent councillor Ian Murdoch had concerns about noise impact on the Stevenston area and called for more information from the applicant.

The members were told that, even if approved, the application would have to then go to the Scottish Government because of the objections from the airport and air traffic control.

Committee chair, councillor Robert Foster, said: "I can read the room. Ian thinks we need more information, other councillors are not minded to support the application. Is anyone on the committee minded to support it?"

No supporters were found and the application was rejected.