Survey shows support for wind farm proposal

PLANS for a huge new wind farm in West Lothian have been backed by local residents, it has been claimed.

An independent community survey, carried out by IBP Strategy and Research, suggested that more than 60 per cent of people in the Kirknewton area support plans for the Fauch Hill wind farm development.

The result of the survey has caused Kirknewton Community Council to throw its weight behind the plan. Opponents of the 23-turbine wind farm proposal have argued that the development, which is set to go before West Lothian Council executive on Monday, will spoil views of the Pentland Hills.

Enhanced “community benefit” schemes have also been offered by developers.

They include 25 years worth of annual funding for development trusts, 100,000 new trees and a new visitor centre for the Pentlands.