SOUTH Ayrshire Council have approved a planning application that will see a high wind meteorological mast built south of Straiton.

The application by Scottish Power was put before South Ayrshire Council to see if permission could be granted to build a 70m high structure. 

The mast is expected to be temporary over five years to measure winds among other weather data.

One objector, Alexander Miller highlighted that a wind mast could lead to more wind turbines in South Carrick, which is a turbulent issue for residents and councillors.

Local councillor Alec Clark appealed to the planning panel to consider that this could lead to further turbines.

He said: “As a ward councillor, I have to take into consideration the concerns of my constituents . 

“There is a wide impact on people of South Carrick from windfarms. This in itself is an innocent mast, however this is the advanced party before the cavalry comes in.

“We have bast arrays of turbines, it is high time it was taken somewhere else.”

Councillor William Grant who sits on the panel said: “I have my total concerns, this is not a wind farm application but I would agree with my colleague that South Carrick is saturated with wind farms.”

Maybole councillor Ann Galbraith said: “If this is approved, we know what will follow.

“We have too many windfarms, I do not approve.”

Chairman of the meeting Peter Convery said: “I have walked the area and climbed it. 

“You assume that after five years that readings will be suitable for a windfarm. 

“All there is, is an application for a wind mast.”

After a short amendment, the original motion was approved to build a wind mast.