Wind farm refusal hailed – The Herald

Conservationists are hailing Highland Council’s decision to refuse
permission to build a 14-turbine wind farm in Ross-shire as a victory for
wild land.

PI Renewables wanted to erect the turbines at Carn Gorm near Garve close to
Ben Wyvis. But one of the reasons permission had been refused was that the
development “would be detrimental to Wild Land Area 29 – Rhiddoroch-Beinn
Dearg-Ben Wyvis”.

The John Muir Trust’s head of policy, Helen McDade, said: “This is a
victory for wild land and for common sense. The trust vigorously objected
to the development. We are delighted that the Highland Council has taken
this decision.”

She said the trust was heartened at the recognition this development would
potentially undermine one of the recently mapped Wild Land Areas, in
Scottish Planning Policy 2014.

Ms McDade added: “This decision should send a clear message to developers
to steer clear of the 42 Wild Land Areas mapped earlier this year by
Scottish Natural Heritage and supported by the John Muir Trust.” PI
Renewables said it was disappointed by the decision, adding it would review
the details.