A meeting is to take place next week to discuss the possibility of more wind farm turbines being introduced around New Cumnock.
Ayrshire Live has learned that developer, Invenergy, has plans to expand their existing site at Pencloe Wind Farm by adding five new turbines to help boost capacity.
However, a group of campaigners have banded together in a bid to stop the expansion.
And they have set-up a website called stoppencloe.co.uk as they seek to grow their numbers.
Now a meeting between the campaigners and Invenergy will take place on Thursday, February 6 from 6pm at New Cumnock Town Hall in order to discuss the proposals and other ‘ongoing issues’ with the existing wind farm- and its impact on residents at the nearby Afton Road.
Speaking ahead of the meeting a spokesperson for the campaigners said: “The liaison meeting for the village has been scheduled with the developer (Invenergy) to discuss the ongoing issues and their proposal for an extension of five turbines.
“We’ve asked councillors to attend, and we’re encouraging as many locals as possible to come along who are concerned about the development in this area. This development is visible to pretty much all the village.”
In terms of current projects, by different firms, there are 15 turbines under construction at Enoch Hill and 19 at Pencloe.
The ones already approved include Lethans (22 turbines), Lethans Extension (10 turbines), Lorg (15 turbines), Greenburn (14 turbines), Enoch Hill 2 (2 turbines).
And fresh proposals include Pencloe Extension (5 turbines) and Blackwood Wind Farm (7 turbines).
The spokesperson continued: “Over the past year, it has evolved into a living nightmare with no apparent end in sight. Our town has become a dumping ground for wind farm developments, leaving locals feeling powerless. Objections seem pointless, as developments are approved regardless of concerns raised, often accompanied by empty promises.
“Afton Road residents, in particular, have reached their limit. More developments are planned that will also use this road as an access point. Additionally, Pencloe is proposing an extension to its wind farm, which is already under construction.
“During the Pencloe development, Afton Road residents have endured speeding vehicles, dangerous driving, and road damage, despite repeated complaints to Invenergy (the wind farm company), the site manager, the police, Ayrshire Roads Alliance, East Ayrshire Planning, and the New Cumnock Community Council.
“Afton Road is a public route frequently used for walking, cycling, and enjoying upgraded paths created by the New Cumnock Walkways Group.
“At a meeting on November 14, Invenergy met with over 30 Afton Road residents to discuss their proposal for five additional turbines. The meeting was dominated by complaints about speeding vehicles—some exceeding 40–50 mph in a 30-mph zone—and dangerous driving. Residents, including parents, voiced fears for their children’s safety, even on pavements. The caravan park owner shared that visitors were afraid to leave the site.”
The spokesperson added: “New Cumnock deserves better. The area’s natural beauty is being ruined, residents’ safety is being neglected, and our concerns are dismissed.
“The planning process is overly complex and inaccessible to many. New Cumnock is being surrounded and overwhelmed by these developments. While we support renewable energy, this relentless encroachment is unsustainable and unfair.”
Invenergy has been approached for a response.