By Rita Campbell
An inquiry into a controversial windfarm in a scenic part of Argyll will be
held next month.
Argyll and Bute Council refused planning permission for the 18-turbine
Upper Sonachan Wind Park because it was felt it would have an adverse
impact on the landscape.
Mountaineering Scotland had also objected, claiming the 447ft masts – which
would be built north of Inveraray and south of Loch Awe – would detract
from the experience of walkers on nearby Ben Cruachan.
But Developer Skylark – a joint venture between Skanska and Ecotricity –
launched an appeal with Scottish Ministers against the council’s decision,
sparking a public inquiry.
Now preparations are under way, with a public hearing scheduled for
November 13.
A spokesman for Skylark said: “Scotland is leading the way when it comes to
renewables and that progress should continue with Upper Sonachan Wind Park,
which is a good site and would make a significant contribution in replacing
the use of fossil fuels in Britain.
“We’ve had continued dialogue with local residents and have completed
detailed site assessment and environmental studies so are happy that we
have a very strong case for a wind park on the site.”
The public hearing sessions will consider any economic benefits or
otherwise of the proposal.
It will also look at noise, landscape and visual impact and any possible
conditions and legal agreements such the appeal be upheld.
The sessions will begin at 4pm on Monday November 13 at Dalmally Community
Centre.
In its statement to the inquiry, Argyll and Bute Council senior planning
officer David Moore writes: “The council’s evidence will demonstrate that
the landscape in which the development would be located has no capacity to
accept a large scale wind farm development such as is proposed by the
applicant.
“The development would have unacceptable significant adverse effects on
views and which are important regionally, and locally, including from the
A85 trunk road (Oban to Perth), tourist routes, residential areas, visitors
attractions, for persons boating and/or fishing on Loch Awe and for other
persons with high sensitivity to such adverse effects, including those who
have resort to the area around the development site for recreational and
other purposes.”
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has also objected, saying that the proposed
wind farm would result in “significant adverse impacts on the landscape
character of north Loch Awe”.
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