As a Barrhead resident, I was extremely relieved when the fight by Gateside
and Barrhead residents against a planning application – for a wind turbine
at Woodneuk Farm on the Fereneze Braes above Barrhead – resulted in the
refusal of permission on the grounds of adverse visual and landscape impact.
I have taken an interest in all similar development proposals in this area
and have, in the past, written to Uplawmoor Community Council.
Amongst other online dialogue relating to turbine development, I recently
read the perceptive letter on the Uplawmoor Gazette website: Windfarm by
Stealth and Community Apathy.
Even the most casual and disinterested observer must by now be aware of the
unsightly clutter of wind turbines of all sizes, which have already
destroyed the character and quality of this green corner of East
Renfrewshire, particularly around Uplawmoor.
I have for many years walked the countryside south of Barrhead. This
countryside used to be an accessible, recreational lung for a great number
of people. Without driving further afield it is now impossible to get
enjoyment out of this most basic and essential human pursuit because of the
ongoing pestilence of turbine development being inflicted on the land by
government, local authority, and landowners eager to reap the subsidy
harvest. None of them have any real interest in any ‘green’ issues unless
it is the colour of their money.
Communities are being divided into those who are willing to trade our rural
landscape for minor and relatively inconsequential localised improvements,
and those who treasure and appreciate the essential life-enhancing asset of
a rural landscape – for all – free from mammoth industrialised structures.
The relentless onslaught by developers and those only too eager to accept
the brown envelope, stuffed with cash supplied by taxpayers and consumers,
is still on-going. Too few really understand just how much money is being
poured into the coffers of a few from the meagre purses of the many – and
that for (in percentage terms) tiny amounts of electricity, which will
never reliably power our country.
David Watson, Barrhead
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