A CLACKMANNANSHIRE wind farm, which drew objections from a number of community groups and stakeholders in the past, is now up and running with turbines producing power for the local grid.

The Rhodders Wind Farm, which has six new turbines in the Ochils, is the second extension to the originally existing 13 turbine Burnfoot Hill Wind Farm, built in 2010.

Altogether, there are now 21 turbines with a combined capacity of 41.8MW, producing low-carbon electricity that can meet the annual needs of around 6800 homes.

Plans to erect the second lot of new turbines caused controversy in the past, when Clackmannanshire Council's Planning Committee blocked the proposals in summer 2013, saying the cumulative effect of multiple wind farms in the Ochils was an issue.

However, the committee's decision was eventually overturned by the Scottish Government in early 2014.

Head of construction at EDF Energy Renewables, John Penman, said: “We’re very proud to have delivered this project efficiently and safely. I’m full of praise for what our team has achieved here at Rhodders.

“I also want to say thanks to the local community and particularly those living locally for their support during the construction process.

“Now that it’s operational, day to day management of the wind farm will pass to EDF Energy Renewables’ asset management team, who will oversee the running and maintenance of the site, including management of the £36,000 per year community benefit fund.

“This fund will add to the current Burnfoot Hill and Burnfoot North agreement making a total contribution of £85,000 to the local community each year.”

In 2014, planning committee convener Alastair Campbell, who used his casting vote after members were divided on their opinion, expressed disappointment after the government overturned his decision.

He told the Advertiser: “I’ve always had the belief that local people have a commitment to decide local applications, but I understand that there has always got to be an appeals process if we make the wrong decision.

“Although, it’s disappointing when the decision is taken away from local people and made by a government appointee who is working to a different agenda than the rest of us.

“We’ve got to the stage now that we are covering the country with quite a lot of wind farms. If they were off-shore I don’t think anyone would object to them.”

Now, Nick Bradford, EDF Energy Renewables’ head of asset management, added: “Rhodders Wind Farm is an excellent extension of our existing wind farm in the Ochil Hills and will make an important contribution to the supply of low carbon electricity.

“As the owner and operator of wind farms across the country, our goal is to not only to generate electricity, but to become a part of the communities that host our projects.

“One of the ways the wind farm will benefit the local area is through community benefit funds like the one we’ve set up at Rhodders.

“I’m delighted to say that the Rhodders Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund will be administered by Foundation Scotland and first grants should be made to local projects in early 2016.

“For further information on eligibility and how to apply to the Rhodders Wind Farm Community Benefits Fund, visit Foundation Scotland’s website at www.foundationscotland.org.uk.”