By Andrew McNair
A new laser system to measure windspeed is being brought in by windfarm
companies.
It means anemometer masts, sitting on hillsides for a couple of years, may
become a thing of the past.
REG Windpower has just been granted permission to site the trailer mounted
system on rough ground near Little Sypland at Kirkcudbright.
However, planners had to take into account eight objections from people who
raised a number of fears, principally about light pollution.
They were concerned the laser beam would be visible for miles around and
affect the dark skies of the east Stewartry coast and the Fleet Valley
national scenic area.
The objectors were also worried about possible effects on human health, low
flying aircraft and wildlife.
But the plan was approved at a recent planning applications committee.
The system works by illuminating the movement of dust, pollen and droplets
in the atmosphere which can then be accurately measured and replaces the
traditional wind monitoring mast.
And a report to the committee said: “It is noted from the submission that
the proposed laser would have a longer wavelength than that which is
visible to the naked eye so would have no impact on this basis, bar the
siting of the trailer itself… On the basis that it would not be visible,
there are no concerns regarding impact on residential amenity, tourism and
cumulative visual impact.”
The proposal was not considered against renewable energy or wind turbine
policy as the light detection and ranging system has different
characteristics to the usual infrastructure involved in wind farm creation.
In a separate wind farm bid a planning application for an 80m anemometer
mast on land south of Barclay Hill, which is east of Balmaclellan, has been
submitted with the council on behalf of East Galloway Wind Energy Limited.
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