EAST Ayrshire Council maintains that each wind farm development is decided on its own merit.

The cumulative impact of the wind farm developments around the New Cumnock and southern section of East Ayrshire has bee raised by locals, campaign groups and elected members and representatives.

This was an issue raised by East Ayrshire councillor John McGhee at a council meeting earlier this year, as the Annick representative asked if there was a "tipping point" for when the number of developments became too many.

The local authority will make an outright decision on wind farm plans, where the generating capacity is under 50 megawatts, and will act as a consultee for the Scottish Government for developments over the threshold.

The local authority will make an outright decision on wind farm plans, where the generating capacity is under 50 megawatts.The local authority will make an outright decision on wind farm plans, where the generating capacity is under 50 megawatts. (Image: East Ayrshire Council) As part of a mini series looking at the numerous wind farm developments in our area, and the various impacts they will have, the Chronicle looked to gather as many varied points of views as possible.

East Ayrshire Council has said that the number of developments that are in operation and are under consideration do not currently play a part in the decision making.

A local authority spokesperson said: "The council is a consultee in that process but to inform our submissions to the Government, a detailed assessment is undertaken of all relevant matters.

"Windfarms under 50MW are determined by the council.

"Regardless of the consenting route, the assessment of each development by the relevant decision maker, and by the council, in our consultation responses to Scottish Ministers, takes full account of all aspects of the development including landscape and visual and cumulative landscape and visual impacts, amongst many others.

"Both processes allow for representations to be made by any interested party, including local people, and these representations are taken into consideration as part of the decision making process.

"Whilst there have been a large number of developments in East Ayrshire and in neighbouring council areas, we continue to assess each proposed development on its merits to inform our decisions.”