By Jane Candlish
Opponents of a new windfarm which would be visible from the north’s busiest
road have called on councillors to stand up for local people’s views.
RWE Innogy’s proposals for 20 turbines adjacent to an existing windfarm at
Tomatin will be decided by Highland councillors on Tuesday.
The devices will form the Glen Kyllachy windfarm and will each be 360ft
high.They will be visible from the Slochd summit and the A9 Inverness-Perth
trunk road.
Unusually Highland Council received more letters of support for the
renewable energy development than of objection.
A total of 35 letters of support were sent and 29 in opposition.
Objectors said that the windfarm conflicted with the council’s ideas for an
A9 road corridor free of large development.
They also opposed the plans because of their visual impact on the
Strathdearn and Strathnairn areas and the Cairngorms National Park.
There are also fears about noise from the development. It will be next to
the 40 turbines in operation at Farr, which has been the subject of
complaints about noise in recent months.
The Strathnairn and Strathdearn community councils both objected to the
application.
However supporters of the scheme – many with addresses outwith the
Highlands – said that the development was in a good location and would
provide jobs .
The Cairngorms National Park Authority also raised no objection.
Highland Council’s planners have recommended that the scheme be approved by
councillors at the south planning committee on Tuesday.
Anti-windfarm campaigner Pat Wells, of Tomatin, said she was disappointed
with the recommendation.
She said: “We would look to our councillors to represent the views of the
community at the meeting.
“It would be a blow to Strathnairn.”
An RWE Innogy spokeswoman said: “We believe we have designed a scheme which
sits well alongside the existing Farr windfarm, minimising any additional
impacts.
“The turbines are sited on land which is out with any statutory
designations and consultees including SEPA, SNH, Cairngorms National Park
Authority, Historic Scotland as well as the Highland Council’s internal
advisors have made no objections to the scheme. This is reflected in the
planning officer’s approval for a positive determination.
“If consented, Glen Kyllachy Wind Farm could contribute 50MW of renewable
energy generation towards Scottish Government targets as well as directly
providing up to £12m of construction investment and 6 jobs to the Highlands.”
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