October 9, 2006
U.K.
U.K.
A Row over plans to build a wind farm has taken a new twist.
Protesters want planning chiefs to reject a proposal for nine 80-metre turbines because the landscape is believed to have inspired Lewis Grassic Gibbon to write his classic novel Sunset Song.
But council chiefs have recommended the application for St John’s Hill, Stonehaven, is approved by the Kincardine area committee tomorrow.
The scheme has received 468 letters of support and 297 of objection.
Protester Jilly Arbuthnott said: “Our major concern is that this is an area where Grassic Gibbon grew up.
“And it was the inspiration for one of his major novels. It is one of the country’s best loved books of the 20th century.
“Wind turbines will completely change it into an industrial landscape and spoil the view.
“I know things have to change and that renewable energy is important, I just don’t think this is the right place for the turbines.”
Catterline, Kinneff and Dunnottar Community Council chairman John Carr said: ”
We have supporters on both sides of the argument. But the most significant concerns are visual impact and the number of wind farm applications coming through at the moment.
“The council seems to be reacting to each individual application rather than having a clear strategy of how many and what kind of landscape they should be in.”
Historic Scotland and the RSPB also lodged concerns.
But supporters said the scheme would bring environmental and economic benefits.
By Lynn Kernan
lkernan@ ajl.co.uk
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2006/10/09/wind-farm-plan-on-site-which-inspired-novelist/