MoD withdrawing Kenly windfarm opposition after agreeing radar mitigation scheme

The ministry of Defence (MoD) is to withdraw its objection to a St Andrews University windfarm development near Boarhills.

The news has come in a letter from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, which states that the decision depends on the developer meeting a planning condition relating to radar interference.

The university wants to install six wind turbines standing 100 metres high at their tip along with a control building, construction of access roads, upgrading of existing access road and temporary construction compound.

In its letter the MoD states that the turbines, at Kenly Farms to the west of Boarhills, will be 13.3km from the air traffic control radar at RAF Leuchars and will cause unacceptable interference.

It adds, however, that the applicant has worked with the MoD to produce a proposal to mitigate the unacceptable effects.

Now the scheme has been approved by MoD technical and operational specialists and a draft planning condition agreed with the applicant.

A radar mitigation scheme will have to be submitted to Fife Council, then approved, to address the impact of the windfarm on air safety.