Flying Fifers are going into a tailspin over controversial plans for a new biomass plant in Glenrothes.
Representatives from Fife Airport are objecting to proposals for the new complex in the town’s Southfield Industrial Estate.
Bob Garmory, operations manager at the site, said a proposed 60 metre chimney stack could present problems for pilots attempting to use the popular airstrip.
As the base of Fife Flying Club and used by dozens of visiting pilots, Mr Garmory said the airport was highlighting its concerns on behalf of its users and the wider aviation community.
“There is a flying community based at the airport and they have identified problems with the siting of the biomass plant,” he said.
“The flue is right in the area where they begin their descent. The 60 metre stack will be disturbing the air and that is going to cause concern.”
Residents of Glenrothes have already been vocal in their concerns regarding the biomass plant, proposed for construction at Whitworth Road.
Glenrothes Biomass Energy, a subsidiary of London-based Sainc Energy Ltd, is behind the plans, with the plant expected to operate for around 25 years.
A public meeting last week attracted more than 100 residents from Finglassie, Stenton and Pitteuchar, with many citing concerns over the potential impact of the plant on health, as well as noise and the visual impact of the complex.
The plant would burn wood chips to produce power but this process is known to produce gases including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide.
Mr Garmory said should planning permission be granted, the plant would present another impediment to local pilots.
“When the wind turbines were planned at Westfield we did make it clear that it did create a mental barrier,” he added.
“If you’re planning to land an aircraft and you have turbines to your left and your right, it does cause concern.
“This is another development that puts up a huge stack in an area where we are encouraging people to land aircraft.”
