March 19, 2008
Scotland
Scotland
Site visit ordered for controversial project
A string of wind turbine developments in the North-east have been given the go-ahead.
Eight projects were passed at Aberdeenshire Council’s Formartine area committee yesterday.
But councillors have asked to visit the site of a controversial application at Hill of Fiddes near Cultercullen, before making a decision.
Broadview Energy’s plans for three 338ft turbines brought 12 objections and 23 letters of support.
The project would see a road widened, new access tracks and a control building put up at the site.
Objectors claim it would be noisy and fear the turbines could affect property values and wildlife.
The council will look at the site to see how the height of the turbines would affect the surrounding countryside.
Committee chairman councillor John Loveday said: “It is the first wind farm on a relatively flat area which is highly populated and it would be extremely prominent.
“We want to go on site to make sure we have a good look at it.”
Applications given the go ahead were for one turbine at Courtstone, two at Haddo, and one at Denhill, all in Methlick. Access tracks were included in the plans.
Three turbines at Cairnhill Farm, Turriff, were also approved
A wind turbine at Gairnieston Farm, Turriff, was approved but will also need the nod from the Banff and Buchan area committee.
Cllr Loveday said: “They all met the criteria laid down by policies.
“We made sure they did not have an affect on nearby houses which was our main concern.
“The houses must be ten times the size of the rotor blade away to avoid flicker or reflection of sunlight.”
By Catherine Shanks
19 March 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/03/19/north-east-wind-turbine-plans-get-the-go-ahead/