Resident fears impact of proposed Ballykeel windfarm on AONB

The resident, who did not wish to be named, contacted the Times after last week’s article on the proposed seven-turbine development, which is located approximately four kilometres west of Larne in the townlands of Ballykeel and Old Freehold.

The woman stated: “At a time when Mid & East Antrim Council and Northern Ireland Tourist Board are trying to promote the spectacular scenery of our countryside, we should be trying our best to protect and highlight the amazing landscapes that we are fortunate to have, not building a windfarm in the lands adjacent to the Ulster Way and our Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

“There already is a large turbine sited near the location of this proposed windfarm which can be clearly seen against the backdrop of Agnew’s Hill from across Larne & Islandmagee.

“Unfortunately if we don’t speak up now, we will have a situation as was seen a number of months ago when there was outrage at a turbine that ‘appeared’ near Drumnagreagh.

“This windfarm with its seven turbines will dwarf anything that we are already seeing pop up around the rural areas of Larne.

“Once they are here, it will be too late and they won’t be removed anytime soon.

“I would appeal to the people of Larne to see for themselves the scale of this proposal by looking up the planning portal NI, F/2013/0244/F and speaking up now,” she concluded.