By Chris MacLennan
A Highland councillor yesterday expressed his lack of faith in Scottish
Government planners over their decision to grant planning permission to a
controversial wind farm development in Caithness.
Councillor Donnie Mackay, vice chairman of the North Planning Applications
Committee, delivered the scathing view after the committee was delivered
the findings of the public inquiries held into the developments at Limekiln
and Drum Hollistan, near to the village of Reay.
Mr Mackay made the remarks as the committee meeting drew to a close,
describing the ordeal as a “scandal” after approval was awarded by the
Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) of the Scottish
Government to the Limekiln development.
He said: “I have no faith in Scottish planners whatsoever after refusing
Reay in the first instance and then overturning it in the second.
“I have no faith in the reporter’s decision and the whole village of Reay
is up in arms.
“I think it’s a scandal.”
The Highland Council had opposed both the Limekiln and Drum Hollistan
developments prior to two public inquiries in February 2018; however, the
seal of approval by DPEA for the Limekiln development was delivered by
reporters last month – albeit with a reduction of the amenity from an
initial 24 turbines to 21.
Reporters on behalf of the DPEA have argued that the development at
Limekiln, situated right next to the road of the famed North Coast 500
route, will provide a multi-million-pound boost to the local economy, with
a community benefit fund expected to receive £315,000 a year.
Approximately 200 jobs are expected to be created during the scheme’s
development, which is being taken forward by firms Infirmergy and Boralex.
Gilian Macpherson, a resident who delivered a 1,500-strong petition to the
Scottish Government in opposition to the scheme, said at the time of the
reports issuing that the news was “devastating”.
She added: “There should never be massive turbines like this so near to the
village.
“I have spoken to lots of people who have been travelling the NC500 and
they have complained about the damage to the scenery caused by existing
wind farms.”
However, DPEA reporters have refused consent to the Drum Hollistan
development after it deemed the significant impact of the development to be
detrimental to the area.
It states: “The benefits of the proposal would not be sufficient to
outweigh the significant adverse effects identified, in particular, as its
landscape and visual impact.”
Councillors approve next phase of Alness housing development
The next stage of a major housing development in Alness was given the seal
of approval at yesterday’s North Planning Applications Committee meeting at
the Highland Council HQ.
The proposal, submitted by Albyn Housing Society, is to deliver 115 homes
as part of the fifth phase of the project, with the overall outlay
producing approximately 200 houses.
Forty-five houses will be constructed during phase five A, with a further
70 serviced plots coming as part of phase five B. The developer has also
signalled their intention to provide the necessary surrounding
infrastructure, as well as developing the road network in the area.
The development is situated near to Alness Academy and will deliver a
mixture of flats, terraced and semi-detached houses, as well as the
expansion of the existing play area.
Councillor Craig Fraser praised the development for the use of solar PV
panels, however, raised the issue over the installation of vehicle charging
points.
He said: “I am pleased to see the use of solar PV panels.
“I wondered if it would be more appropriate to install vehicle charging
points now as part of a road property infrastructure and should planning be
requesting this outset from future developments at outset, because that may
encourage more people to consider the vehicles they use.”
Planning permission in principle for the project was provided in May 2013,
with 200 houses to be developed across eight phases.
The proposal has been praised by Highland Council planners for its high
percentage of affordable housing, mixed with the provision of private housing.
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