By Graeme Strachan
A major new windfarm development has been referred to Aberdeenshire
Council’s infrastructure services committee for a formal objection to be made.
The application by Coriolis Energy for the installation of 26 wind turbines
and associated infrastructure on the Fasque and Glendye Estates, north of
Edzell. went before members of the Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee in
Stonehaven.
Coriolis Energy wants to build the 149.9m-high turbines and has lodged
plans with the Scottish Government which have gone out to “wide-ranging
public consultation”.
Aberdeenshire Council recommended Kincardine and Mearns members opposed the
development because the “significant environmental effects” would outweigh
the benefits of the scheme.
The report stated: “In conclusion, it is considered that the significant
environmental effects highlighted, in terms of landscape and visual
amenity, are sufficient to outweigh the benefits of the scheme to
contribute towards meeting Scotland’s renewable energy production.
“The proposal cannot be supported and as such, it is recommended that
Aberdeenshire raise an objection regarding the application to the Scottish
Government.”
The council will now issue a formal response to the Scottish Government
following a meeting of the infrastructure services committee in March.
Concerns were raised that the onshore windfarm would have a negative impact
on the natural environment and went against Aberdeenshire Council’s local
development plan.
Coriolis and partner developers ESB – an Irish energy company – believe the
location would be suitable for generating environmentally-friendly
electricity and highlighted the benefits that would be made available to
the local community through cash grants.
The Ministry of Defence cited “unacceptable interference” on the air
defence radar at RRH Buchan as their reason for objecting to the proposal.
The John Muir Trust also objected on the grounds of detrimental visual
impacts of the development around Cairngorm National Park and the negative
socio-economic impact on tourism.
The Save Clachnaben – Stop the Glendye Windfarm group objected in the
grounds that the turbines could be too close to the popular walkers’ hill
of Clachnaben.
Aberdeenshire Council, as planning authority, is the statutory consultee in
the process.
It is for the planning authority to consider the proposal against its local
development plan, and respond to Scottish Ministers’ consultation on the
application.
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