Angus Council urged to reject Rossie Moor turbine plans – The Courier

By Graeme Strachan

A community council has urged the local authority to reject an Angus wind
turbine application.

Ferryden and Craig Community Council chairman Gordon Paterson has lodged a
complaint against the construction of three turbines at Rossie Moor.

A string of objections has already been registered following the
application for the turbines on farmland 985 yards to the west of Rossie
School in Montrose.

If successful, three turbines with a blade tip height of 261ft and
ancillary development would be erected by Tellus Energy Ltd on behalf of
landowner John Stirling.

Storm (Stop Turbines On Rossie Moor) successfully fought against plans for
three 345ft turbines when a previous application was lodged in 2007.

Mr Paterson said: “We firstly believe that the objections raised in
connection with the previous application remain relevant and accordingly
for this we cannot support the application.

“Secondly, we believe that the height of the proposed turbines are totally
incompatible in an area of outstanding beauty and will forever spoil the
landscape.”

Mr Paterson also raised major concerns about how the turbines would affect
the wildlife both locally and migratory.

He added: “Given that Montrose Basin is an essential part of the geese
migration path, we feel we cannot support any development that can put this
in danger.”

Rossie Moor is a site of special scientific interest with extensive areas
of lowland heath and valley fen, together with associated insects such as
water beetles.

The Ministry of Defence has also lodged an objection against the planning
application and warned of a risk to the air traffic control radar at RAF
Leuchars.

An objection has also been received from nearby Rossie School stating the
proposed windfarm would have a detrimental impact on the recreational use
of Rossie Moor and the adjoining paths.

However, Historic Scotland said any impacts upon the setting of a number of
heritage assets would not be of such a magnitude as to warrant an objection
to the planning application.

Landowner John Stirling said he believes the application is a better
solution than nuclear power.