By Graeme Strachan
A major windfarm development on the Angus/Perthshire border could lead to
habitat loss and displacement for some 46 species of birds.
The proposed Saddle Hill windfarm, approximately 4.5km north west of Kilry,
would comprise up to 14 turbines (2MW) with a height of 115 metres.
A full Environmental Impact Assesment (EIA) was carried out over the past
18 months to consider any environmental issues in relation to the design of
the project.
The EIA involves an analysis of how the windfarm proposal could impact on
the environment including landscape and visual amenity, recreation and
tourism, ecology, archaeology, hydrology and hydro-geology, traffic, sound
levels, telecommunications and aviation. The proposal includes mitigation
measures, where necessary, and improvements to the local environment.
The results of the EIA have formed a report called an Environmental
Statement (ES), which was submitted along with an application for planning
permission.
During a field survey there was a total of 46 species recorded between
April 2010 and September last year including 15 species protected by either
international or national legislation.
These include black grouse, common cuckoo, greylag goose and hen harrier.
The report stated: “Precautionary mitigation measures for all breeding
birds are proposed including the avoidance of breeding periods when
commencing the construction of the access tracks and felling of trees.
“An Ecological Clerk of Works would be present on site during construction
and would ensure that mitigation measures are implemented.
“The residual effects of the development may include some negligible
habitat loss and displacement around the windfarm infrastructure, and
access tracks.
“Overall, it is concluded there will not be significant impacts on
ornithology as a result of the Saddle Hill Wind Farm, assuming appropriate
mitigation measures are adopted.”
Opposition groups are already understood to be gathering against the
development, which would see 81 hectares of commercial forest felled.
The area around the Saddle Hill site has already been the subject of
controversial and strongly opposed failed windfarm bids.
Wind Prospect Developments Ltd, on behalf of EDF Energy Renewables, has
submitted a planning application to both Angus Council and Perth and
Kinross Council.
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