The Scottish Government has decided to uphold a planning refusal decision in relation to a planned wind farm in South Ayrshire.

The development would have been located on Breaker Hill, south of Girvan, overlooking the Stinchar and Duisk Valleys.

The area for the wind farm is popular with cyclists and walkers. There are also a number of important natural heritage sites close by, as well as rare species of animals in the locality, including bats and squirrels.

South Ayrshire Council had initially refused the application and an appeal was launched against the decision. Now, the Scottish Government has upheld the council's ruling.

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In considering the appeal against the Council's decision the Scottish Government Reporter noted that South Ayrshire already has a number of wind farms generating "renewable energy", and other wind farms had recently been granted planning permission and are due to be constructed shortly.

Councillor Bill McIntosh, Leader of South Ayrshire Council, said: "South Ayrshire has fantastic natural resources and it is vital that they are preserved and protected.

"I welcome the decision by the Scottish Government's directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals in upholding our decision to refuse planning permission for a windfarm at Breaker Hill.

"The Scottish Government's decision helps to re-enforce the work that South Ayrshire Council, in partnership with Scottish Natural Heritage has undertaken to establish a framework within which renewable energy can be provided, while still protecting and promoting sensitive natural and heritage resources for the enjoyment of South Ayrshire's residents and visitors."

(JP/MH)