August 27, 2007
Scotland
Scotland
The creation of a new wind farm at Ballindalloch Muir, near Balfron, could see house prices plummet.
Campaigners for EVAG (Endrick Valley Action Group) this week said a survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors found that 60 per cent of surveyors who deal with homes near wind farms said the turbines “decrease the value of residential properties”.
And they added that a district judge had awarded £15,000 damages to a couple who bought a house in the Lake District in 2004 without being told by the sellers that a wind farm was going to be built nearby.
EVAG member Gary Scott from Balfron said: “The findings of the judge and the RCIS are very worrying and should be of concern to people living in Balfron, Fintry, Buchlyvie and the surrounding area.
“Given two identical houses at the same price, one with wind turbines on the horizon, which would you buy?”
However, according to npower, a survey by Edinburgh Solicitors Property Centre (ESPC) this year analysed relative movements in residential property prices in areas surrounding Crystal Rig Wind Farm, near Dunbar, over a seven year period from 2000-2006, and found no evidence to support the theory that prices are affected.
Npower also say they are eager to address any concerns and dispel any myths regarding wind farms. They are appealing for as many people as possible to attend open days in Buchlyvie Village Hall today (Friday) from 2-10pm and tomorrow (Saturday) at the McLintock Hall in Balfron from 10am-4pm.
An npower spokesperson said: “We would really encourage people to come and see for themselves.
“We want to make clear, however, that these proposals are by no means done and dusted, and we are very keen for people to give us their views.
“This is an opportunity for people to say what they like and what they don’t like, how they feel we can improve on what we are considering at the moment and ask us about any concerns they have.
“Gathering the views of as full a range of people as possible in the community is very important to us. One of the age groups which have not had much input as yet are the 16s-29s so we would be particularly interested to hear from them.
“We also have equipment which enables us to illustrate to people what view, if any, they will have of the turbines from their own homes.
“We are working with all the statutory bodies to get their advice and views on these proposals in an effort to come up with what will be the most suitable proposal for the site and minimise any impact on the environment.”
The company’s renewables developer, Davin Aiken, said: “We are not even considering submitting a planning application to Stirling Council until around the end of November.
“We will be continuing to work through the statutory process and consultation to make sure we come up with a proposal which makes the best possible use of the site.
“This has been an open and transparent process.”
27 August 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/08/27/house-prices-blown-away/