By Graeme Strachan
A controversial Angus turbine development could be stopped in its tracks
following a road ownership dispute.
Rossie School in Montrose, which has already objected to the plans, said it
owns a road intended to be used for site access.
Martin Brown, estates manager at Rossie School, said it would not approve
the use of the road for the purposes of the proposed development.
A string of objections was registered last year after an application from
Green Cat Renewables for three turbines on farmland 984 yards to the west
of Rossie School in Montrose.
The developer’s application for Tellus Energy Ltd on behalf of landowner
John Stirling was finally withdrawn in December, however, the firm
resubmitted new plans in January for two smaller turbines.
Mr Brown said Rossie Young People’s Trust had made inquiries regarding the
access road following its initial objection which was lodged in February.
He said: “We are of the view that this access road, which is unadopted to
the east of South Lodge, forms part of the lands owned by Rossie Young
People’s Trust.
“Upon this basis, we would not approve the use of the road for the purpose
of the proposed development.”
The school’s previous objection stated the proposed turbines would have an
“entirely disproportionate impact on the landscape.”
Mr Brown said: “A number of public rights of way cross the appeal site and
Rossie Moor, used by our young people for recreation, as well as by
walkers, horse riders and cyclists.
“Many of these are also local residents and the presence of the turbines
would compound any loss of amenity that they might experience from direct
views from their houses.”
“Other recreational users come from further afield, including riders using
nearby livery stables at Westerton of Rossie and surrounding yards.
“We do not agree that the new and upgraded access tracks required for this
development would be of benefit to walkers or horse riders, compared to the
present tracks.”
Mr Brown said the trust considers Rossie Moor to have a high landscape
value because of its character and recreational potential.
“In general, we conclude that the proposed windfarm would have a
detrimental impact on the recreational use of Rossie Moor and its adjoining
paths.”
Mr Stirling has said he believes the plan is a better solution than nuclear
power.
Rossie Moor is a site of special scientific interest, with extensive areas
of lowland heath and valley fen, together with associated insects, such as
water beetles.
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