Turbine opponents plan protest
Credit: By Jamie Buchan, The Press and Journal, 21 February 2012 ~~
Wind turbine campaigners are planning to stage a protest on the steps of Aberdeenshire Council’s headquarters, it was revealed yesterday.
The group is angry about the rising number of green energy schemes being approved by the local authority, despite formal objections from air traffic controllers and organisations including the Ministry of Defence.
The Aberdeenshire-based Concerned About Wind Turbines (CAWT) group plans to hold a demonstration on Monday afternoon, the same day as a training seminar for all councillors.
The event, which is expected to be closed to the public, will look at the reasons for a recent surge in demand for turbines.
It will include presentations from Enviko Renewable Energy Solutions and Scottish National Heritage, among others.
CAWT leaders say the talks will not present a balanced view.
Spokesman Nick Orpwood said: “There is nobody to put forward the negative points regarding wind energy, nor to raise concerns regarding the entire planning process in Aberdeenshire.
“And there will be nobody to voice worries that some councillors appear to be ignoring objections from expert statutory consultees such as (air traffic control organisation) Nats and the MoD.”
Monday’s protest follows calls for a moratorium on turbines in parts of rural Buchan. The MoD say an overabundance of masts will cause interference to vital radar equipment at RAF Buchan.
Members of the Buchan area committee have already approved three single-turbine developments at Longside, despite the warnings from military chiefs.
Today, the same group will discuss three more applications to which the MoD has objected.
CAWT has scheduled its demonstration for 12.30pm at the entrance to Woodhill House. It is inviting anyone “opposed to the continuing proliferation of wind turbines” to take part.
Last night, an Aberdeenshire Council spokesman said: “The seminar has been arranged to provide members with an overview of some of the challenges for the council as a result of wind turbine applications.
“The planning process and related policies will also be examined with a view to identifying whether changes to current practices need to be made. In addition, members will be apprised of the current planning considerations and how they are applied.
“As with other information seminars for councillors, this is not a decision-making event, although views gathered could help shape any future changes to wind turbine guidance and the planning process.”
The councillors’ two-hour seminar is due to begin at 2pm.
