Wind Power News: U.K.
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
Blow up over wind farm for Hilltown
Tensions were expected to run high last night (Monday) at a council meeting surrounding a proposed wind farm in Hilltown. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council called a special meeting dedicated to the issue of a wind farm planning application for an area off the Mullaghgarriff Road. Due to present their views to the local decision makers were planning officers, the firm behind the wind farm proposal and local representatives some in favour and some against the wind turbines. However, . . .
Nesting birds halt work on giant north substation
Two feisty birds have caused work on a giant substation at a new Highland wind farm to grind to a halt. Even bird-scarers did not deter the ground-nesting pair of golden plovers, who have established a temporary home at the site of the Tom Nan Clach scheme on the Cawdor Estate. Work on the foundations of the substation has ceased since three eggs were laid and two chicks hatched. And until the visitors – who are a protected species – . . .
Outrage at windfarm’s ‘mega turbines’ plan
A windfarm project near Lockerbie hoping to increase the size of their turbines have lost the support of Lockerbie Community Council. The Crossdykes Windfarm scheme was given the green light by Dumfries and Galloway councillors in May 2016. And previously the scheme had attracted 51 letters of support, including from the Lockerbie group, and just 13 formal objections. But now Muirhall Energy, the company behind the 15 turbine project, are seeking to increase the size of their turbines from 130m . . .
Villages in Dumfries and Galloway join forces to oppose windfarm plans
Two villages have joined forces in a bid to derail plans for a 35-turbine windfarm near Sanquhar . The North Lowther Energy Initiative submitted a formal application to the Scottish Government last week for the development in the North Lowther hills to the east of Sanquhar and north-west of Wanlockhead. But residents in Leadhills and Wanlockhead are urging Scottish ministers not to give it the green light. Leadhills Community Council chairman Gerard Godfrey said the windfarm would have a “significant . . .
Councillor embroiled in turbine “cronyism” row suspended for six months
An Aberdeenshire councillor has been suspended for six months after lobbying colleagues about a proposal to build a controversial wind turbine on his farm. Turriff member Sandy Duncan first submitted plans to build a 150ft turbine at his Beechwood farm, near Forglen, three years ago. But, after a protracted planning and court row, the scheme was finally rejected in February Cllr Duncan, who was accused of “cronyism” by political opponents, appeared before a Standards Commission hearing in Aberdeen yesterday, facing . . .
Controversial plans for three giant wind turbines in Hapton have been branded as ‘vandalism of the countryside’
Controversial plans for three giant wind turbines have been branded as ‘vandalism of the countryside’. FAB Energy Solutions wants to erect the turbines measuring up to 100 metres in height on land south of New Barn Billington Road in Hapton. The proposed development lies on land to the south and south east of the existing Hameldon Hill Wind Farm, which has six wind turbines. Despite letters of objections from community leaders and households living nearby, planners will recommend the application . . .
Ramblers win High Court permission to challenge decision to approve construction of wind farm in Antrim Hills
A ramblers body has won High Court permission to challenge the decision to approve construction of a wind farm in the Antrim Hills. The Ulster Federation of Rambling Clubs was granted leave to seek a judicial review of planning permission for installation in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Under the scheme seven 100m-high turbines will be built at Ballykeel, near Larne. A company behind the project was given the green-light following a meeting of Mid and East Antrim Council’s . . .
Dr James Fenton: Nature is paying the price of development
We have only one planet and, as the American poet Gary Snyder says, “this living, flowing world is all we have – forever”. Why, then, do we not stand up for it more, instead of allowing developers to trash it, or, to use more measured language, cause continual attrition of its wildness? Why are we reducing the richness of the planet by forcing the animals and plants with which we share it into smaller and smaller corners, until they have . . .
Judges order turbine Builth Wells review over church impact
A farmer may have to take down his wind turbine after judges ruled it impacted on a nearby listed church. The 41.8m-high (137ft) turbine at Upper Pengarth, near Builth Wells, was built last year following approval by Powys council. But London’s Court of Appeal said the council needs to reconsider the move. It was found to have failed to give “special regard” to preserving the setting of the Grade II-listed Llanbedr Church. The church is about one mile (1.5km) from . . .
Moray MSP reaffirms pledge to block “web of pylons” blight
Moray’s MSP has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the region does not become blighted by a “web of pylons”. Once complete, the Blackhillock electricity substation near Keith will be the largest of its kind in the UK – and the second biggest in northern Europe. The area is already home to multiple power cable routes converging on the one point from locations across the north of Scotland. Last night MSP Richard Lochhead criticised SSEN for not exhausting all avenues in . . .
