Stuart Gillespie
A controversial proposal for seven wind turbines near Twynholm has been
turned down.
Councillors spent more than three hours hearing from supporters and
opponents of Banks’ Renewables plans for Knockendurrick before unanimously
rejecting the bid.
The firm said they were “obviously disappointed” and were considering their
options.
Thursday’s meeting of the planning applications committee was preceded by
objectors gathering outside the council HQ in Dumfries with placards urging
councillors to reject the proposal.
Officials had recommended refusal of the plans which drew 1500 letters of
opposition and 600 in support.
Among the concerns were potential health impacts, the detrimental effect on
tourism and the effect on red kites.
Among those speaking out against the proposal was Andrew Campbell, from
Kirkcudbright Forum, who said the development would “spoil the natural
beauty that brings tourists for repeat visits”.
Janet Gibson, of the Historical and Covenanters Trail Group, said the site
had a drove road of “immense importance in Galloway history”.
She also told about work that had been done to let people enjoy the view
from Fuffock Hill and added: “We can’t move the hill summit view but the
turbines could go elsewhere.”
Lady Susan Ross, chairman of the Galloway group of the National Trust for
Scotland, said they were “horrified” at the proposal and added: “Our
landscape is precious. Do not allow it to be ruined.”
The committee also heard from supporters, including Kyla Graham, whose
family farm at Irelandton would be home to the development.
In an emotional speech, she said: ‘It is a struggle for a predominantly
hill farm so we must find ways to diversify. The windmills are a perfect
way to use a free and natural resource in abundance at this site.
“For the local community and economy I see so many opportunities with this
development that should be seized and utilised for the greater good of the
area.”
Banks Renewables’ Jeannie Kielty pointed out that a lot of the objectors
were not from the area and that “the balance of opinion in Dumfries and
Galloway is more equal than appears in the report”.
She highlighted the ‘social, environmental and economic benefit’ to the
region and pointed out they’d made changes to the proposal based on local
feedback.
Councillors agreed unanimously to refuse the proposal as it contravened
council policies.
Afterwards, Ms Kielty said: “We will now review the determination of the
committee in detail before deciding on how best to proceed.’
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