March 14, 2008
Scotland

Wind farm plan to suffer new blow

Developers of a proposed windfarm near Balfron look set to be dealt a blow by the national park.

Park planners are recommending members object to the application by Npower Renewables to site nine turbines at Ballindalloch Muir, between Buchlyvie and Balfron.

The company is already fending off a barrage of objections from Endrick Valley Action Group, which is vowing to halt the proposal.

The national park has been consulted by Stirling Council on the application as an adjoining planning authority.

Park planners are set to advise the park’s planning committee members at a meeting on Monday that an objection should be lodged.

In a report due to be tabled they gave the reasons for the recommendation as “principally due to the anticipated significant cumulative visual impacts of the proposal, due to the intervisibility of the park with the surrounding Stirling landscape, including the application site/prospective development.”

And they added: “There is also the importance of the landscape in providing a setting for the Highland Boundary Fault zone, the edge of the park and the approaches and views to and from the park.

“The proposal is also considered to be contrary to the national park plan guiding principles including conserving and enhancing the special qualities and promoting a quality experience for everyone.”

Npower Rnewables has consistently denied claims about the impact the development would have, saying it has continuously followed strict guidelines and legislation and adhered to stringent criteria when drawing up the plans.

It also says it carried out extensive consultations with locals from the outset in a bid to glean an even spread of opinion over a widespread age group and demographic.

Stirling Observer

14 March 2008


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/03/14/wind-farm-plan-to-suffer-new-blow/