Wind farm development thrown out

Villagers said the wind farm site would be too close to houses

Plans to build a wind farm less than a mile from Auchtermuchty in Fife have been dismissed after a public inquiry.

An inquiry was ordered after developer EnergieKontor appealed to the Scottish Government because, it said, Fife Council was taking too long to decide.

Local villagers launched a campaign against the plans, saying the wind farm would ruin the area's landscape.

EnergieKontor insisted that only a handful of sites were suitable for wind power.

No-one at the firm was available for comment.

QC appointed

A campaign group in the village appointed a QC to represent it at the inquiry, along with a noise consultant.

It was held in the village's Victoria Hall in January.

Graeme Whyte from the group told the BBC Scotland news website: "Obviously we are elated at the news and the decision, and obviously very pleased at the work of the reporter for coming back so quickly.

"It would have affected so many people."

The original plans were for the wind farm to be used over a period of 25 years.

Howe of Fife Councillor Donald Lothian gave evidence at the inquiry.

He said: "This decision is extremely welcome and will no doubt be met with delight and relief in equal measure by local residents, but particularly by those living in close proximity to the proposed site.

"Many people have campaigned tirelessly against this proposal and their efforts have been justifiably rewarded."

Lib Dem MSP for North East Fife, Iain Smith said: "I regret that the applicants decided to pre-empt the proper local consideration of the application by Fife Council by appealing on grounds of non-determination to the Scottish Government.

"However, it would appear that the Inquiry Reporter has taken full account of local concerns and I am pleased that he has come to the right decision in this case."