by Edwin Lawrence
Villagers are bracing themselves for a fight with windfarm developers.
For WilloWind Energy has lodged a planning application for a 25-turbine
Lindfairn Windfarm, near Straiton.
WilloWind claims it has consulted extensively since its original 29-turbine
plan.
And chief executive Martin Davie said: “In another sign of our commitment
to listen to the concerns of local residents, the application now provides
detail of the access route to the site which, crucially, avoids Straiton.”
But Bill Steven, chairman of Save Straiton for Scotland campaign, brands
the WilloWind application ‘totally inappropriate’.
Mr Steven blasts: “WilloWind have certainly not listened to the views of
the community.
“Anything but. Their community engagement has been pathetic, with
absolutely no contact made with the many people who will be directly
impacted by this windfarm.
“If they were truly listening, they would know the feeling of the community
and the views of eight politicians we have had out to visit the area.
“All these elected representatives, from all parties across the political
spectrum, have one thing in common – they all say NO to the Linfairn proposal.”
But Mr Davie insists: “It is especially pleasing to have had such active
involvement from local people in getting the plans to the application stage.
“We’ve gone to great lengths to respond to the issues raised with us about
this development, and have included a number of measures in our application
which we believe fully address them.”
None of this cuts any ice with Mr Steven who spells out: “Mr Davie, for the
benefit of any doubt, your proposed development is NOT welcome by the vast
majority of the people of Straiton.
“We will be building a professional objection to submit to the Scottish
Government on your totally inappropriate application.”
Save Straiton for Scotland has employed the services of planning, landscape
and noise professionals to help articulate their objections.
And they also aim to enlist one of Scotland’s top QCs.
Meanwhile, Mr Davie insists the project will bring a range of benefits to
the area, from new jobs to commercial opportunities, as well as long-term
community benefits during the life of the windfarm.
“Youth groups, local charities and voluntary organisations are among those
who could benefit,” said Mr Davie.
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