A CARRICK farmer claims a delayed wind farm development could ruin his water supply. Kirk Hill Wind Ltd had the go-ahead to erect eight turbines near Maybole

but the plan has been held up, with the firm applying for permission to extend its application last week because of the delay.

Farmer Craig Gemmell objected to the bid over concerns about his water source getting cut off or polluted and told South Ayrshire councillors one of the turbines would be “too close to our water supply.”

He said: “What they are proposing is a construction in the middle of our water catchment.” M r Gemmell, of Hallowshean Farm, Kirkoswald,told the council regulatory panel children and a dairy herd of cows rely on the private supply.

He added: “This situation is very serious for the welfare of our animals and our family.” He warned any issues with the water could put him “out of business.”

He added: “It is imperative that the water supply is not interrupted.

It would create a huge welfare problem.” He called for SEPA to be involved in assessing any impact, which was agreed by councillors.

Politicians approved the extension request to allow more time for the wind farm t o b e built. But t he y demanded a condition that SEPA be included in weighing up any risks. Councillor Ian Cavana said any problem with the water would “affect the business and health of the family.”

He added: “We should involve SEPA in some way.” The renewable energy scheme has suffered a setback because it will not be connected to the grid until 2022.

A later than planned removal of a Turnberry aviation beacon is also contributing to the hold up. The precise rural location of the wind farm is listed as Wallacetown – North West To Hallowshean Cottage.

The wind farm proposal was originally refused by South Ayrshire Council in 2016. But the Scottish Government overturned the decision and gave it the go-ahead in 2017 following an appeal.