By Stephen Norris
A third community council has expressed concerns about a giant windfarm
proposed for the Glenkens.
Carsphairn said it “simply cannot support” Fred Olsen Ltd’s draft
development at Torrs Hill near Dalry.
It has warned 800-foot turbines would ruin the iconic Rhinns of Kells.
“There is no doubt whatsoever that these hills were held to be sacred in
ancient times,” the community council told planners.
“And although today their former function as a place of worship and retreat
is all but forgotten, they remain a landscape cherished and admired by
residents and visitors alike.
“No planning permission should ever be considered for any kind of
industrial development on what should remain an unviolated, lofty, serene,
beautiful and significant Southern Upland ridgeway untouched forever by the
work of modern humankind.”
Carsphairn declared it “wholeheartedly supports” measures to combat climate
change and renewable energy. But in a damning verdict it describes theFOL’s
proposal as “disingenuous” and “preposterous”.
“The monstrous scale of the development proposed threatens to severely
degrade the visual aspect of a vast swathe of Galloway landscape,” the
community council said.
“That includes many iconic views of the Rhinns from a distance, and in
particular the stunning vista afforded to the walker on their summits,
“We are of the opinion that, in line with our remit to promote the
well-being and views of the majority of the local electorate, the whole of
the Rhinns of Kells, from Loch Doon to Loch Ken, should be designated as a
windfarm exclusion zone.
“Enough is enough.”
In addition, the community council said tourism impacts should be included
in any future planning assessment.
Fred Olsen Ltd’s bid to extend the life of the windfarm indefinitely should
be resisted, it said.
Meanwhile, Dalry Community Council also wants a study into tourism impacts.
Chairperson Nicolette Wise said: “I cannot understand why in an area trying
to promote tourism the council will not look at doing that.
“The turbines are so big they will impact on the visual aspect.”
She added: “Corserine and Meikle Millyea are the two biggest mountains you
can see from Dalry.
“It’s part of Dalry and an iconic view.
“We get lots of walkers here. We can’t not look at tourism.”
Mrs Wise stressed the community council had a duty to represent all shades
of opinion.
“I am very conscious that we have to represent the views of everybody
here,” she said.
“A lot of people are employed at Natural Power (the agents) although we
must remember that this development is being proposed by Fred Olsen Ltd.”
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