February 19, 2008
Scotland

'Is it time to put brakes on march of turbines?'

A warning has gone out that an Aberdeenshire community could be nearing its limit for wind turbines.

There are currently four of the power-generating towers on the Ellon area landscape.

But more than 10 have already been given planning approval and are waiting to be built.

Councillors on the Formartine committee approved two more at the Hill of Balquhindachy near Methlick last week.

But the move has prompted councillor Paul Johnston to warn that the area might not be able to take any more turbines.

He said: “This latest application flags up that we are pretty close to saying that we’ve got enough turbines in this part of the world. We are at the edge of what is acceptable in the hills of this area.”

Applicant Grant Mackie already has one 75-metre high turbine operating on the Hill of Balquhindachy but is looking to increase the power generated.

As the number of turbines in the area increases, councillors have asked their Aberdeenshire officials to give them more information on their impact.

The council does not currently provide information on turbines.

But with the rise in numbers, more and more councillors have been asking questions about their cumulative effects.

Councillor Johnston said: “Each application is judged on its own merits but we need more information.

“I would never pre-determine any further applications. But we are nearing the number that would be acceptable for the area.

“I’ve always expressed concerns about the effect of these turbines when all taken together.”

An Aberdeenshire Council spokesman said: “The Formartine committee councillors have asked for a report to be given on the cumulative effect of the wind turbines and will get this at a future meeting.”

The Press and Journal

16 February 2008


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/02/19/is-it-time-to-put-brakes-on-march-of-turbines/