February 21, 2008
Scotland
Scotland
Battle lines are being drawn ahead of the Blackcraig windfarm public inquiry which starts next week.
Supporters and objectors to the multi-million pound scheme will descend on Dalry Town Hall for the final act of a long-running saga.
Scottish and Southern Energy’s (SSE) 23-turbine project was knocked back a year ago by Dumfries and Galloway Council on the grounds that it would have an adverse impact on tourism.
But as the windfarm is due to produce more than 50MW of electrical generation, the Scottish Government will have the final say.
The inquiry will take place before reporter Michael Mahoney and is expected to last until March 19.
Relevant person status has been afforded to both Roland Chaplain of the Glenkens Sustainable Development Steering Group (GSDSG) and Alison Chapman of Galloway Landscape and Renewable Energy (GLARE).
This means they can call and cross-examine witnesses.
A petition with over 1,000 signatures from within a 20-mile radius of the Glenkens has backed the controversial windfarm.
But critics insist the 365ft turbines would be seen from as far away as the Isle of Man.
And there are fears that the council may have to fork out £400,000 in costs if they lose the inquiry.
21 February 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/02/21/windfarm-battle-gets-under-way/