THE SCOTTISH Government has given the proposed Afton wind farm the green light - despite fears that it could impact on the nearby Afton Reservoir.

E.ON was granted consent by Scottish ministers last week for the 27-turbine wind farm near New Cumnock.

Once complete, the site will have the potential to power the equivalent of almost 35,000 homes and generate community benefit funding of up to £9.2million over its lifetime.

It will have a maximum generating capacity of around 74MW.

But one local group fears it is too close to the Afton Reservoir.

New Cumnock Community Council chairperson, Jerry Mulders said: “I have concerns regarding the construction phase. Some of the peat and soil that lies on the proposed site could potentially run into the reservoir - let’s not forget that it’s the Afton reservoir that provides the area’s drinking water.

“Contamination of the reservoir would mean Scottish Water would have to increase the levels of chlorine just to kill the bacteria. Who becomes liable in the event of contamination?” A statement from Scottish Water said: “Scottish Water’s top priority is to deliver safe, high quality drinking water to our five million customers across Scotland while protecting and enhancing the environment. Compliance with strict water quality regulations in Scotland is now at its highest ever level.

“We have policies and procedures in place that ensure we manage our catchments and resources very carefully and liaise with wind farm developers to ensure that any mitigation measures or plans are agreed in advance of construction.

“Water quality and public health are our top priorities and, together with our regulators, we will continue to ensure that our customers’ water supplies are not compromised in any way.” Announcing the decision, Energy Minister, Fergus Ewing said: “The Afton wind farm will create jobs both in its construction, and during its lifetime. In addition it will bring up to £9.2 million of community benefit funding for East Ayrshire communities and be able to produce enough electricity to power the equivalent of almost 35,000 homes.

“I have imposed rigorous conditions on the consent to ensure that any impacts of the development on communities, the environment, our natural heritage and aviation are appropriately mitigated.

“Once it is up and running the wind farm will help reduce carbon emissions from electricity generation, aiding Scotland’s work to tackle climate change.

“We want to see the right developments in the right places. Design and location of any wind farm should reflect the scale of the landscape and should be considered environmentally acceptable.”