By David Kerr

Cairngorm National Park planners have recommended that a controversial
windfarm is rejected because of fears that it could spoil the view from a
number of popular mountains.

The park’s planning committee will consider the proposed 24-turbine
Talladh-a-Bheithe windfarm between Loch Rannoch and Loch Ericht later this
week.

Planning officials from the park authority have urged committee members to
reject the plans due to concerns that the turbines would be visible from
Munros such as nearby Beinn a Ghlos.

They have said that the turbines – each more than 400ft high – would be a
“distracting feature” in views from the park.

In an environmental statement prepared for the application developers
Eventus BV said that the turbines would only have a “medium” visual impact
on the park.

However, Cairngorm planners said that the windfarm would have a
“substantial” impact from higher parts of the landscape.

Due to the scale of the proposals the final decision on Talladh-a-Bheithe
rests with Scottish Ministers.

However, other planning authorities such as the national park and Perth and
Kinross Council are consulted ahead of the final decision being taken.

A report which will be considered by the planning committee this week said:
“The landscape and visual effects of the proposal would adversely affect
the special landscape qualities of the park, particularly in terms of it’s
wildness.

“This would adversely impact upon the experience of the wild land area that
stretches from the Cairngorms National Park in the north to Ben Nevis and
the Mamores in the south and it is considered that this impact cannot be
overcome by siting, design or other mitigation.”

The plans has also been criticised by bodies such as the John Muir Trust
and the Mountaineering Council of Scotland who have raised concern about
the design.

A spokesman for developers Eventus BV said: “As Talladh-a-Bheithe Wind Farm
progresses through the consenting planning process we are working
constructively with all stakeholders and consultees.

“Talladh-a-Bheithe offers a significant opportunity to contribute to
Scotland’s renewable energy potential, helping to reach ambitious targets
to reduce emissions.

“If consented, the wind farm will also contribute significant economic
benefits to the local area during the construction phase, and provide the
opportunity for community ownership as part of an innovative approach to
community benefit.”


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