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Objectors win battle against Clatto Reservoir turbine plan

Graham Lang (left) with a group of objectors at the reservoir.
Graham Lang (left) with a group of objectors at the reservoir.

Councillors have prevented a large turbine being erected close to a nature reserve near Cupar.

Devon-firm Tencreek Renewables wanted to build the 260ft structure close to Clatto Reservoir, which is popular with bird watchers and fishers.

However, Fife Council’s north-east planning committee decided the visual impact would be too great.

The reservoir is 500 metres from where the turbine would have stood and is used by pink-footed and greylag geese. It is also a brown trout fishery.

Ceres and District Environment and Amenity Protection, Clatto Landscape Protection Group and Ceres and District Community Council were among objectors to the planning application for a spot at Muirhead Farm, south of Chance Inn.

The chairman of the former group, Graham Lang said: “I am delighted for the locals who campaigned against the Muirhead turbine and particularly for the residents of Clatto Reservoir Cottage.

“Their visual amenity and local landscape would have been blighted by its presence.

“The councillors made a sensible decision to protect the landscape character and visual amenity from the development which they found clashed with key Fife Council policies,” he added.

“By refusing the application they are also protecting the local nature reserve and Clatto Reservoir and the recreational amenity of the anglers and ornithologists who treasure it.”

Cupar councillor Margaret Kennedy urged fellow members to throw out the proposal.

She said: “I do not think this is sympathetic to the local landscape character. The visual impact and the residential impact would not be acceptable.”

Ceres and District Community Council believed the turbine would have had a significant impact on protected species and the recreational amenity of the reservoir.

According to Clatto Landscape Protection Group, the rural area is well populated and those who live there value the landscape extremely highly.

Scottish Natural Heritage did not object to the proposal and Fife Council planners had recommended planning consent be granted.

Planners said concerns about landscape and visual impact had been considered and the impact was deemed to be acceptable.

They also said there would have be no unacceptable impact on the residential amenity of those living nearby.

The applicant is entitled to appeal to the Scottish Government.