Scottish ministers have been urged to reject a plea by one of Britain’s largest energy firms to extend the lifespan of the country’s only test site for offshore wind turbines. The facility, run by Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), is located in Ayrshire and comprises two giant turbines. The site is close to the village of Fairlie, near Largs, and was established in 2012 for a five-year period. SSE has applied to North Ayrshire council for a two-year extension. The planning committee met last week and concluded that the proposal is contrary to the local development plan and “should be refused”. The final decision rests with the Scottish government. Some residents of Fairlie and the Isle of Cumbrae have blamed the turbines for causing dizziness, sickness, headaches and sleep disturbance. Health officials have said it is “unlikely” that the turbines are the cause of symptoms. A spokeswoman for SSE, said: “As a responsible owner and operator of renewable energy SSE takes concerns or complaints from members of the community close to our sites very seriously.”
Times 27th Aug 2017 read more »