September 11, 2007
Scotland
Scotland
Plans for a 27-turbine wind farm near Aberfeldy have been knocked back by the Scottish Government.
I. and H. Brown’s Calliacher scheme would have had an “unacceptable visual impact” on surrounding glens, a ruling revealed yesterday after a lengthy public inquiry a year ago.
The scheme had proved almost universally unpopular, with Perth and Kinross Council objecting to it when consulted, and locals mounting a vigorous action against it under the auspices of campaign group ASWAG (Amulree and Strathbraan Windfarm Action Group).
The prospective developer had hoped the project—scaled down from an initial 47-turbine application—would generate over 62megawatts of energy.
No one from I. and H. Brown was available for comment yesterday.
A statement from the Scottish Government said, “Calliacher would have an unacceptable visual impact on Glen Quaich and on Loch Freuchie.
“However, the reporter indicated that the project would be acceptable if reduced below 50 megawatts. As ministers do not have powers under the Electricity Act to consent below 50MW, the developer could pursue the application via a planning application to the local authority.”
Calliacher is the latest of several wind farm schemes to be thrown out, with three in the Ochils rejected last month.
Two others have been allowed south of Perth, however, as well as another near Alyth.
Mid-Scotland and Fife Tory MSP Murdo Fraser has welcomed the news that the application has been refused but has demanded that no wind farm project is given the go ahead in the area.
“I want to see Scotland lead the way in renewable technology, including onshore wind farms, but better guidelines are needed,” he said. “Without the necessary guidelines, then it is inevitable that unacceptable applications like the one at Calliacher will arise.”
11 September 2007
Amulree and Strathbraan Windfarm Action Group (ASWAG): aswag.org.uk
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/09/11/wind-farm-ruled-out-for-visual-impact/