by Blair Dingwall
The Scottish Government has reversed a local authority decision to reject
plans for a 260ft mast in a scenic Aberdeenshire locale.
The proposals by Coriolis Energy for an anemometer mast on the Glendye
Estate, near Strachan, were thrown out by Aberdeenshire Council’s Marr area
committee last year.
However, the company has now won a Scottish Government appeal against the
decision.
Anemometer masts are used to gauge the wind power potential of a specific
area. Coriolis Energy is currently consulting on proposals for a potential
37-turbine wind farm at Glendye.
Wind farm development manager for the firm, James Baird, said: “We are
pleased the Scottish Government’s planning and environmental appeals
division upheld Aberdeenshire Council officers’ recommendation to grant
approval for the anemometer mast.
“We do fully appreciate the views put forward by consultees and councillors
regarding this and look forward to engaging with them and all stakeholders
over the coming year as we gather feedback to help shape and inform the
proposed Glendye wind farm.”
The mast was objected to by the Grampian Microlight Flying Club, whilst
councillors also feared for the landscape around Clachnaben.
Aboyne, Upper Deeside and Donside councillor, Peter Argyle, said: “The area
committee gave a great deal of careful thought to the application for this
mast before deciding to refuse consent, principally on the grounds of
safety for recreational flying.
“This area is frequently used by recreational fliers to avoid the
controlled airspace around Aberdeen airport. We were concerned about the
possibility of an accident involving a light aircraft.
“It is disappointing that the reporter did not accept this argument.”
In the appeal decision notice, Scottish Government reporter Allison Coard
said: “Having viewed the area on my site visit from Cairn O’ Mount and the
summit of Clachnaben, I appreciate its undeveloped character.
“However, I also noted the extensive scale of this landscape.
“In this respect, I consider that the siting of this slender temporary
structure to avoid any exposed ridge-line and set against a backcloth of
rising land would avoid any significant or detrimental change to landscape
character.”
0 Comments