By Leona Greenan
Councillors have rejected plans for a controversial 76.5 metre turbine on
the Blantyre/Cambuslang border at Flemington.
Campaigners against the turbine were overjoyed with the news after
launching a campaign to prevent the project, proposed by the
Cambuslang-based Healthy n Happy charity.
The charity had insisted the turbine was needed to fund their work over the
next two decades. They are facing funding cuts from April, including a 100
per cent cut to their core funding from the council.
It is understood Healthy n Happy, who said they were “surprised, curious
and disappointed” at the decision, may now appeal.
In stark contrast, campaigners could barely hide their delight after the
decision.
Liisa Hepworth, who lives in Loanend Cottages near the proposed site, said:
“The feeling now is pretty much of relief that the right decision has been
made.
“We were all quite emotional that this fight is over and we can get on with
our lives and not worry about this huge turbine that would have impacted on us.
“We just hope Healthy n Happy see the sense in not appealing due to the
strong feeling in Cambuslang and Blantyre, especially.
“There was a huge response from around the area from those who love this
land and want to enjoy it.”
Healthy n Happy first revealed plans for the turbine in February 2015.
It immediately sparked an angry response from those living nearby including
residents in Blantyre.
The plan was formally opposed by Halfway Community Council while Margaret
Ferrier MP called for a halt to the project. Blantyre MSP James Kelly also
expressed his concerns.
Over 1200 letters of objection were received by the council, from all over
South Lanarkshire and in some cases beyond.
The plan also received 409 letters of support.
A report to councillors said the plan didn’t comply with four policies in
the local development plan.
The report concluded the turbine would “have an adverse landscape and
visual impact and adverse impact on residential amenity.”
A statement from Healthy n Happy said “We have the right to appeal the
council’s decision and we will consider this, however, it will not be a
surprise to know that we have not been comfortable being in conflict with
some local residents.
“We need to stimulate healthy debate among local people about renewable
energy and what kind of future environment we want for our children and
their children.
“Our application to erect a turbine was not a luxury, it was a necessity to
support our work over the next 25 years.”
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