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contribution per year and <strong>the</strong> suitability of <strong>the</strong> vehicular access have been noted and arefully addressed earlier in this report. Comments made with respect of <strong>the</strong> proposal'sminimal contribution to carbon reduction are noted however Scottish Government policyis to generate <strong>the</strong> equivalent of 100% of Scotland's gross annual electricity consumptionand this proposal, if approved, would contribute towards this target. Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore,predicted generating capacities have been modelled to ensure <strong>the</strong> scheme iseconomically viable.The impacts upon tourism are difficult to measure. There is no robust evidence tosuggest that a significant number of people will avoid visiting an area if <strong>the</strong>re are turbinespresent. The site at Clentrie is not considered to be a significant tourist attractionthough it is located in a rural environment with outdoor access routes to <strong>the</strong> widercountryside. The issue raised concerning impact on property values is not a materialconsideration in determining this application as market forces operate independentlyfrom <strong>the</strong> <strong>planning</strong> system.CONCLUSIONSIt has been demonstrated that, subject to <strong>the</strong> imposition of conditions, this development couldcomply with <strong>the</strong> Development Plan and o<strong>the</strong>r National and Council guidance in respect of anumber of <strong>the</strong> material <strong>planning</strong> considerations such as ecology/ornithology, noise, shadowflicker, cultural heritage, hydrology, road safety and aviation. However this must be balancedagainst <strong>the</strong> significant visual impact of <strong>the</strong> development on <strong>the</strong> surrounding landscape and <strong>the</strong>number of people in close proximity that would experience that impact. It would not beacceptable in terms of meeting <strong>the</strong> landscape and visual impact requirements. The proposalwould be located in an elevated position within an area of strong rural character, would beconspicuous on and visible above <strong>the</strong> skyline and adjacent wooded areas and would be adominant feature of views from dwellings and streets within <strong>the</strong> village of Auchtertool. In termsof cumulative impacts, <strong>the</strong> proposal would have significant cumulative impacts with both LittleRaith windfarm (11/03990/EIA) and <strong>the</strong> 2 approved Mossmorran turbines (11/01807/FULL)particularly on views from <strong>the</strong> road network.Whilst <strong>the</strong> proposal would provide economic benefit and would assist in meeting <strong>the</strong> overallScottish Government energy targets given <strong>the</strong> significant shift in energy production objectivestowards renewable sources this does not outweigh <strong>the</strong> significant detrimental impacts identifiedabove. Consequently it is not considered that <strong>the</strong> proposed wind farm would comply withNational Guidance, <strong>the</strong> relevant policies of <strong>the</strong> Development Plan or Fife Council’sSupplementary Planning Guidance on Wind Energy.UPDATEThe application was continued from <strong>the</strong> 29th August 2012 meeting of <strong>the</strong> Kirkcaldy AreaCommittee as Members sought a fur<strong>the</strong>r update on <strong>the</strong> radar situation with EdinburghAirport and requested that <strong>the</strong> developer carry out wider consultation on <strong>the</strong> proposals.Radar - As noted in Section 3.12 of <strong>the</strong> report, Edinburgh Airport have now withdrawn<strong>the</strong>ir objection subject to <strong>the</strong> imposition of a suspensive <strong>planning</strong> condition.Consultation - Two public exhibitions were held in Auchtertool Village Hall on <strong>the</strong> 2ndNovember 2012 and 11th January 2013. Adverts were placed in <strong>the</strong> local newspapers40

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