Council decision on men’s shed plans to add wind turbine to its premises

St Andrews Men’s Shed has secured planning permission from Fife Council for a micro turbine with a 10m blade at its base in Craigtoun Country Park.

The community group has previously installed a solar array on the shed roof, with the proposed wind turbine intended to supplement renewable generation during the winter months and offset energy costs. Councillors approved the application earlier this month.

A supporting statement submitted by the Men’s Shed said: “Whilst solar panels produce the majority of their power during the summer, wind turbines perform best in the autumn and winter, therefore they are complementary technologies that will support each other in providing year round generation for the property.

“The installation will have significant benefits to the community group in terms of renewable energy production, energy security and protection from rising energy prices.

“The wind turbine will have an estimated annual output of 1,000kWh with the majority of the generation being within the winter months, when generation from the existing solar array is minimal.

“The proposed site does not directly impact any designated areas and poses a low collision risk due to its scale and positioning. There are no neighbouring properties that would be adversely impacted in terms of visual or noise impact, the closest property being an office building, 50m to the west with direct line of sight obstructed by the existing shed.”

Due to the size of the proposed wind turbine, no heavy plant or machinery will be required to facilitate the installation. The wind turbine mast will be raised and lowered manually removing the need for lifting machinery.