The controversial approval of more wind turbines near a Fife chemical plant is to be challenged amid claims the decision was foolish.
The go-ahead was given by Fife Council for three 328ft turbines at Clentrie Farm less than a mile and a half from Fife Ethylene Plant at Mossmorran, where there are already nine of the huge structures.
The issuing of consent to Aberdeen-based Renewable Energy Ventures by Kirkcaldy area committee against the advice of the planning officer has already left neighbouring Auchtertool Community Council in crisis after three members resigned in protest.
Now Lochgelly Community Council says it will challenge the granting of planning permission.
It claims it should have been informed of the proposal and asked for an opinion by law although the council denies this.
Chairman Steve Murray said: “As a statutory consultee, we are very worried that we were not informed and that the views of the local community were not sought and not even considered with the application was approved. We will be seeking advice on the options open to us to challenge the decision.”
Despite assurances tests have found no evidence of increased levels of the cancer-causing pollutant benzene during flaring at Mossmoran, health concerns remain in surrounding communities, including Lochgelly, and there are fears that turbines at the Little Raith windfarm are dispersing pollution.
An academic study by Glasgow University published in 2009 warned windfarms near such plants could disperse benzene and other pollutants. The planning officer’s report concluded the Clentrie windfarm would be too far away to affect fumes and pointed out that environment agency Sepa, which regulates industrial emissions, had raised no objection.
However, fellow Lochgelly community councillor George Kinnell said: “There should be no more wind turbine developments in that area. Our local countryside is being ruined.
“There are ongoing issues with air quality and the potential impacts Little Raith and Mossmorran are having on local air issues. There is also a problem of noise for some residents in Lochgelly.
“Until all these issues are fully addressed it is very foolish to approve more industrial turbines in the area, providing further visual blight and impacts for residents.”
The council defended its treatment of the planning application.
Community developments and investment service manager Alastair Hamilton said: “All of the relevant planning considerations were set out clearly in the report which accompanied the planning application at Kirkcaldy area committee, including the issue of fume dispersal.
“In relation to the community council and their role as consultees, only those community councils in whose area the application sits are considered statutory consultees.
“Other community councils can be considered statutory consultees if they reply to the application within seven days of it appearing on the working list.”