Council objects to wind farm proposals despite local support

A CONTROVERSIAL wind farm which campaigners say would wreck views of the Pentland Hills is to face a formal objection from West Lothian Council.

Councillors voted yesterday to oppose the planned application to build the 23-turbine wind farm, in Fauch Hill, West Calder – despite surveys showing it had the support of local residents.

West Lothian Council’s executive will now formally register its disapproval of the wind farm plan, on the grounds that it will have “unacceptable impacts” on the landscape and visual amenity of the Pentlands.

The move comes despite the company behind the proposals, Fauch Hill Sustainable Energy, revealing two independent surveys which demonstrated that there was huge community support for the plans.

One poll conducted by Kirknewton Community Council showed 60 per cent approval for the plans, while a similar poll conducted in the area of West Calder and Harburn showed 58 per cent in favour.

The wind farm, which would have a 25-year lifespan, would produce enough electricity to power 42,000 households.