A bid to erect the first community-owned wind turbines in the east of Scotland has been blown out once and for all.
Those behind the Newburgh windfarm project learned on Thursday that their appeal to the Scottish Government has failed.
Newburgh Community Trust spent more than three and a half years developing plans for three 100-metre high turbines, which would have generated cash to be spent in the village as well as power.
Some £250,000 of grants from the government was ploughed into the project, which was denied planning permission by Fife Council in the summer.
Now a government reporter has ruled that the impact of the massive structures at Braeside of Lindores Farm, in the Ochil Hills, would be too great.
Trust chairman Andrew Arbuckle said: ”Speaking on behalf of the majority of the community who gave their support for this, it’s disappointing.
”A lot of hard work went into the project. I wonder if in 10 years’ time, when fuel bills have soared, we shan’t look back on this as a lost opportunity.”
Local councillor Donald Lothian added: ”Given the level of community support for this project, this decision will be viewed as very disappointing by many local residents.
”I fully appreciate that the support was not unanimous, but the decision will go down like a lead brick.
”Newburgh is a commendably ambitious community, with plans for expansion to build on its success in recent years.
”Whether it is waterfront developments, the coastal path, or reopening the rail halt, there is a commendable vision and the income from the wind turbines would have helped to drive this ambition.”
Some in the town will, however, be glad of the outcome. The project had divided the community to the extent that conflicting views had descended into bitter argument.
The council’s north-east Fife area committee had rejected the trust’s planning application on grounds of scale, visual impact and the potential for driver distraction.
Trust members were informed of the reporter’s decision at their AGM on Thursday evening. A full report on the outcome of the appeal and the reasons for its dismissal will be published today.