Locals 'Back' Windfarm Extension

The operators of a major Fife windfarm say they have local support over expansion plans.

Kennedy Renewables, who're behind Little Raith, canvassed 800 homes in Cowdenbeath, Lochgelly, Lumphinnans and Auchtertool.

They say 45% of those support the move, 38% were indifferent and 17% objected the proposal.

The firm says there's an "appetite" for more money from the structures to go towards their energy bills.

And that a number of residents also said all funds should be managed by the Four Winds Development Trust - the charity set up by Kennedy Renewables to distribute community payments.

It comes after local MSP Alex Rowley accused the company of greed for offering less community payments than the UK standard.

Jonny Kennedy, Managing Director, said they want to make sure that "as many local people as possible" know about their plans and have their say.

He said: "These results reflect our own experience of engaging with the community with most people either supportive or indifferent about Little Raith and the proposed extension.

“As part of our consultation, we agreed with the Little Raith Community Liaison Forum to door-knock homes that are in closest proximity to the wind farm across the four communities of Cowdenbeath, Lochgelly, Lumphinnans and Auchtertool.  

"The flavour of opinion that was picked up was balanced and there were a range of views however I’m pleased that so many people canvassed said they were in favour of seeing the wind farm extended.

"Despite the suggestion of some, it is not the case that the majority of local people in Cowdenbeath, Lochgelly, Lumphinnans and Auchtertool are opposed to our existing Little Raith wind farm or the proposed extension.

“Our proposed extension to Little Raith would see an extra £100,000 being provided into the existing community benefit pot which was almost £60,000 last year.

"The extension will also allow us to build on our existing local partnerships with Cowdenbeath FC and Fife College that provide opportunities to young people in the local areas to access sport and skills training. Crucially the extension will allow us to deliver an Education and Visitor Centre on site that will further improve the use of the site for the local community and our local partners."