By Jamie McKenzie
A developer has appealed a decision by Highland Council to reject their
proposals to build giant towers close to the majestic Corrieyairack Pass.
Energy firm RES wants to build 13 turbines on the Culachy Estate near Fort
Augustus, and states in its appeal form that the council’s decision was
“exceptionally narrow focused.”
Opponents to the project include the Mountaineering Council of Scotland
(MCofS), who yesterday restated their position that it would cause
“significant” and “unacceptable” harm to the landscape.
The proposed windfarm was originally recommended for approval by the
council’s planning department but then refused by the South Planning
Applications Committee in a 5-2 vote.
Only seven of the 19-member committee were involved in the vote last
December, after deciding not to go on a site visit the week before.
RES argues that the turbines would not have an unacceptable visual impact
because they would sit in a natural bowl in the landscape, and highlighted
that key statutory consultees like Scottish Natural Heritage and Historic
Scotland did not object.
The company also claims that the project would likely bring a £3.6million
boost to the local economy through the use of local suppliers and contractors.
RES development manager Lisa Miller said: “After careful consideration, we
have decided to appeal the decision for Culachy windfarm as we still firmly
believe that this is a good location for a windfarm and Highland Council
policy identifies the site as an appropriate area for a windfarm.
“The proposal is well contained, will have very limited overall visibility
and, more importantly, will not be seen from Loch Ness. The proposed
windfarm will also provide tangible benefits for the local community over
the lifetime of the windfarm should it gain consent.”
Dave Gordon, director for landscape and planning at MCofS, said: “The MCofS
objects to the proposed wind farm because of its significant and
unacceptable harm to the landscape, with its 490ft turbines visible from a
large number of munros and corbetts, intruding into a recognised Wild Land
Area and adjacent to the historic Wade road over the Corrieyairack.
“A huge number of turbines have been approved for the hills around Fort
Augustus and most have yet to be built. If this area does not get some
respite, it will become one giant power station spreading over the hills
for mile after mile.”
The appeal was received by the Scottish Government’s Planning and
Environmental Appeal’s decision last Thursday.
The proposal was originally for 25 turbines but this was reduced to 13
following public and statutory consultation.
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