By Graeme Strachan
Almost 100 outraged campaigners have promised to fight plans for 14 wind
turbines “the size of jumbo jets” in the picturesque Angus glens.
A committee has now been formed to object to the application, which has
been lodged on the Angus and Perthshire border.
The proposed Saddle Hill windfarm almost three miles north-west of Kilry
would comprise up to 14 turbines (2mW) with a height of 377ft.
Wind Prospect Developments say visual and environmental impact will be
“carefully considered” for the site, which has already been the subject of
controversial, failed windfarm bids.
The campaigners do not want to see 81 hectares of commercial forest felled
and chairman Mike Morris said the community is “viscerally opposed” to the
development.
A petition has already gathered hundreds of signatures following a meeting
which was attended by 97 people.
Mr Morris said: “The size of the blades exceeds the wing span of a jumbo
jet. Imagine 14 jumbo jets spinning on the skyline in one of our beautiful
Angus glens.
“The glens are already under siege by windfarm developers and other sites
at various stages of evolution are Tullymurdoch, Cottertown, Greenburn,
Welton of Creuchies, Carrach, Cormaud and McCritch.”
“There was a meeting of the local community earlier this year, attended by
97 people. Ninety-six were opposed to the Saddle Hill development and one
was undecided.
“A committee was formed to coordinate the community’s opposition. There are
about 900 tourist beds in the area and tourism brings revenue and
employment to the glen.
“Three surveys over the past few years have shown increasing effect of
windfarms on tourism with the latest by MCoS 2014 showing about 25% of
people were ‘unlikely to return’ because of windfarms.
“How many businesses can survive a 25% cut in trade?”
Wind Prospect Developments Ltd, on behalf of EDF Energy Renewables, has
submitted a planning application to Angus Council and Perth and Kinross
Council.
Part of the site is in the Kirriemuir Landward West Community Council area
of Angus Council and part in the Alyth Community Council area of Perth and
Kinross Council.
The windfarm’s construction would take approximately 12 months.
Mr Morris added: “The proximity of the Cateran Trail will also be badly
affected and we have had many of those who walk the trail decrying the
proposals.”
He said there were also concerns about the impact on the local community of
heavy traffic for at least a year.
Objectors are also concerned about the impact on the environment, on
established and rare wildlife, ancient historical sites and the destruction
of peatland and moorland.
A full environmental impact assessment was carried out over the past 18
months to consider any environmental issues over the design of the project.
Wind Prospect Developments Ltd is keeping the public updated on a website
and said initial investigations suggest the proposed site is suitable for a
wind energy development.
It said: “The design will be shaped by environmental sensitivities
identified in our surveys and the feedback we receive from consultees
including the local community.
“The landscape and visual impacts of the development will be carefully
considered from a variety of viewpoints in the vicinity of the site, in
consultation with Scottish Natural Heritage and the respective council’s.
“Further investigations will take into consideration the wide range of
environmental and technical criteria… These criteria will be subject to
comprehensive assessments as part of the environmental impact assessment
for the proposal, and will feed into the design of the windfarm.
“The landscape and visual impacts of the Saddle Hill windfarm proposal are
carefully considered from a variety of viewpoints in the vicinity of the
site, chosen in consultation with Scottish Natural Heritage and the
respective councils.”
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