Angry local people are once again fighting to stop wind turbines being
built near their homes.
A number of objections have already been submitted following an application
for three 80 metre turbines to be built 900 metres to the west of Rossie
School.
The application was submitted by Tellus Energy Ltd in conjunction with the
landowner John Stirling.
In 2007, campaigners formed STORM (Stop Turbines On Rossie Moor) and fought
against three 105 metre high turbines. The application was refused and went
to an appeal, and after a public inquiry, it was refused by the Scottish
Government in 2009.
Now, STORM II has been launched to fight the new application.
Margaret Balfour said: “This application is an insult to the community
which fought so hard – and successfully – to defeat the previous one.”
Victoria Stead said: “I am absolutely disgusted that an application has
been put forward for these large unsightly wind turbines.”
Virginia Fraser, whose farm is nearby the site, said: “We now seem to be
back at square one. The same landowners have registered a new application
for three slightly smaller turbines, this time even closer to the moor and
straddling an important public footpath regularly used by riders, walkers
and birdwatchers.”
She explained it is the only unfenced path across Rossie Moor and would be
closed for up to seven months during construction.
Ms Fraser added: “Rossie Moor is a quiet corner of wilderness, rare in this
county, which must be defended.”
“Construction traffic would use the road from the A92 at Lunan Smithy,
passing very close to several homes, and is estimated to include 254 loads
of aggregate, 71 of concrete, and 15 arctics with turbine components,” she
concluded.
Landowner John Stirling said: “I strongly support this application and
believe even in the last application a majority of people were in favour.
“I believe given the changes made to this application that the site is
suitable and will help demonstrate that Angus is a committed supporter of
renewable energy.”
Glen Moon, project manager for Green Cat Renewables, who carried out the
environmental assessment, said: “The site we have chosen is the best to
minimise the visual damage.
“The turbines are not just 80 metre monuments, they’re practical things.
They would power 1,400 homes in the UK and would bring in between £5,000 to
£10,000 into the local community.
“I would encourage anyone who is opposed to turbines to go and see some up
close. They might be surprised that the sound and visual impact isn’t as
bad as they might think.”
Written objections have to be in by April 8
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