PLANS to erect a wind turbine in Neilston have been slammed by worried residents.

A proposal to base the eco-friendly power source on grazing land south of the village’s Kingston Road has been lodged with East Renfrewshire Council.

But some residents have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the landscape and wildlife.

Aileen Jackson, owner of nearby Knockglass Farm, in Uplawmoor, told the Barrhead News: “The application describes this turbine as being 66.9m to hub height. This is misleading and gives the impression of a much smaller development.

“The true height to blade tip is 124.75m. This is nearly 15m taller than the turbines at Neilston wind farm and 48m taller than the other two turbines already situated at Nether Carswell.

“The negative visual impact already created by all these rotating machines on both sides of the Kingston Road is already extreme but adding yet another of different dimensions into the mix would create a dangerous visual confusion for drivers, particularly at night, due to the red aviation lights which must be fitted to turbines of that height in this area due to proximity to the airport.

“Hopefully, members of the community who use this popular  area on a daily basis for recreation will consider the effect this proposal will have on our landscape and wildlife and on the people whose properties and lives could be further blighted by yet another turbine development and will show their support for them by objecting to this application.”

A spokesperson for East Renfrewshire Council said: “The planning application is still being assessed and will be determined in due course.”

To view the wind turbine documents, you should visit East Renfrewshire Council’s website and search under planning applications.