Controversy as turbines planned for North-east; Residents object to wind farm proposal
Developers have submitted plans for 10 more wind turbines in the North-east.
Councillors will meet next week to consider four applications for the wind energy structures.
Aberdeenshire Council’s Formartine area committee are to discuss the applications for planning permission.
There have been 12 letters of objection to one of the schemes.
Permission for one 9m (29.5ft) turbine at a house in Crombiebrae, Bourtie, near Oldmeldrum, has been lodged with the authority.
Another application is for three turbines, including the repositioning of two, at St Johns Wells in Fyvie.
Four 74m (242ft) turbines and a substation are planned for Skelmonae, Methlick.
And plans have also been lodged for three turbines of up to 80m (262ft) tall, a wind measuring mast, access tracks, a control building and road widening at Hill of Fiddes, Udny.
This application, for turbines up to 102m (334.5ft) tall, attracted 12 letters of objection from members of the public – along with 23 of support.
Plans for the turbines were previously accepted in principle but they are back before councillors for detailed discussion.
Graham and Mary Bonner of Rosebank Farm, Udny, wrote to the council outlining their concerns.
The letter said: “The turbines are far too close to local residences and Cultercullen School.”
The couple’s letter claims that the guidelines used by councils are out of date.
And they claim the council guidelines were flawed.
Iain Todd, renewables champion for the Aberdeen Renewable Energy Group, said wind farms will become a more common sight.
He said: “The Scottish Government has set ambitious targets for renewable energy. By 2020 half of our electricity should come from renewables.
“Onshore wind farms will play an important role in providing that electricity and we hope that Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire projects will make an important contribution.”
Councillors will debate the applications on Tuesday.
25 July 2008
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