A review of onshore wind energy policies in Fife is underway.

A public consultation to engage with local communities will begin 14 January 2013 for an eight week period, ending on 10 March 2013.

Fife Council says the consultation will work alongside the Local Development Plan Main Issues Report to maximise participation and comply with government requirements.

Councillor Alex Rowley, Leader of Fife Council said: "Concerns relating to wind turbines have developed as a national issue in recent years, largely focused on the cumulative and landscape impacts of development. In response to this the Council has committed itself to reviewing its spatial strategy, policies and guidance for onshore wind turbines."

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He added: "Land based turbines must be located in the right places in order to prevent unacceptable impacts to our most important landscapes and to our communities. A lot of good work has been done already and we want to update the areas of search and create a robust spatial framework for Fife that will steer wind energy development to appropriate locations. We can then embed this into the Local Development Plan.

"It is important that we engage with the local communities and get them involved in this process. I have written to every community council in Fife to open up the discussion and welcome their participation in this review."

The Council is seeking views on Ironside Farrar’s report (Onshore Wind Energy Strategy for Fife – Cumulative Impact Assessment).

The report sets out a guide for assessing the cumulative landscape impact of wind turbines in Fife, as well as recommendations on the expected appropriate scales of development.

The Scottish government has asked local authorities to support wind energy development and to define spatial frameworks in Local Development Plans to accommodate wind turbines.

(IT)