By Craig Borland

The Mount Stuart Trust has denied accusations that it’s trying to block
plans for a community-owned renewable energy project on the island.

The Trust’s lawyers have written to the owner of the site at Auchintirrie
farm where Bute Community Power has planning permission to build two wind
turbines, stating that they “do not consent” to the disturbance of minerals
underneath the planned site.

The situation was outlined in detail at BCP’s annual general meeting in
Rothesay on Monday night, when BCP’s secretary, Reeni Kennedy-Boyle, spoke
about a 2009 study by the British Geological Survey, commissioned by the
Trust, which found it “unlikely” that the island has enough high-quality
stone resources to be a realistic prospect for export.

Chairman Jim Osborne said of the Trust’s letter: “It seems to be designed
as a blocking tactic to create a delay, perhaps to call our bluff or
frighten us into saying it’s all over, but certainly to threaten the
economic viability of the project.

“I think we should respond by carrying on.”

Writing to Auchintirrie farmer – and landowner – Sandy McIntyre, law firm
Anderson Strathearn say the rights to all “mines, metals, minerals, fossils
and substances” at Auchintirrie below land drain depth are reserved in
favour of the Trust.

The letter says the Trust “do not consent to the disturbance of the
minerals nor the use of any of the reserved minerals in connection with the
construction of foundations, hardstanding or access roads to the proposed
development”.

Planning consent for the Auchintirrie turbines was granted in February
after BCP successfully appealed to the Scottish Government, following
Argyll and Bute Council’s decision to refuse permission last September

In a statement, BCP’s directors said: “When the Bute Renewable Energy
Project (BREP) was still in development stage, Mount Stuart were invited to
work with the community. No response was received.

“Mount Stuart however raised objection to the Auchintirrie project during
planning.

“Despite planning being achieved Mount Stuart are trying to prevent an
independent farmer from diversifying and the local community from achieving
community owned energy production and the monetary benefits arising from
such a development.”

BCP’s statement also says they are “unclear” over what the Trust’s position
might mean for the project, and adds: “We would hope that Mount Stuart
re-consider their position in relation to the project.”

Adam Ellis-Jones, operations director of the Mount Stuart Trust, said: “The
Trust is not trying to thwart or delay this development at this stage.
While we do not agree with the final decision of the Scottish Government,
we respect the decision.

“The letter sent regarding mineral rights was part of our due diligence to
ensure that all matters were dealt with properly before the project goes
ahead and should not impede its progress.

“It is worth noting that permission to disturb minerals where rights are
reserved – whether valuable or not – is simply a matter of law.

“The estate’s position on this proposed wind farm development has always
been in line with the majority of people who responded to the consultation
and objected to the application. These objections were supported both by
the local community council and Argyll and Bute Council.

“We were extremely disappointed that a decision was ultimately taken out of
local hands and made by the Scottish Government reporter who acknowledged
that there would be ‘localised significant adverse impacts’ from the wind
turbines.

“The Mount Stuart Trust has been approached repeatedly by wind farm
developers and it would have been an easy commercial option for us with
substantial financial gain.

“However, we believe the integrity of the landscape on Bute is of paramount
importance and the contribution of the tourism industry to the local
economy is in the long term greater than that of a small number of wind
turbines that are widely regarded as a negative in tourism terms.

“The Trust is in the process of delivering a multi-million-pound investment
in developments on Bute with a view to promoting economic growth through
sustainable development.

“This includes the development of new homes and the renovation of existing
ones. In addition we are developing affordable housing, significantly
expanding our education programme and wider community engagement.

“The future for Bute is by being genuinely sustainable – socially,
environmentally and economically. Sustainable tourism is at the heart of this.

“We are most certainly not opposed to renewable energy and have invested in
a hydro scheme which will provide a tangible community benefit and are
actively developing a substantial biomass project that will secure jobs on
the island.

“As regards the estate’s engagement with Bute Community Power, I have had
no approach from any representative in the 14 months I have been in post.

“At the planning application public hearing, I issued an invitation to any
member of the community or group to meet and discuss any potential
projects. That offer still stands and we are wholly committed to community
engagement.

“The Bute Estate will always still consider partnering or supporting a
renewable scheme providing the scheme is appropriate for the isle of Bute
which 47-metre turbine towers are clearly not.”


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