April 17, 2008
Scotland

Turbine delay over radar concerns

A public inquiry in southern Scotland looks set to be delayed to allow the impact of wind turbines on radar systems to be assessed.

A Scottish Government reporter has asked for the Blackcraig wind farm hearing to be suspended until October.

The inquiry is considering Scottish and Southern Energy’s plans to build 23 turbines in the Galloway hills.

The delay would allow National Air Traffic Services to give evidence of the effect on radar technology.

The inquiry – being staged in St John’s Town of Dalry – got under way late last month and was expected to last three weeks.

However, the process is now likely to be extended well into the autumn after the inquiry reporter asked ministers to agree to have the hearing put on hold for six months.

A spokesman for the Scottish Government confirmed the request had been tabled, but said no decision on whether it would be granted had yet been made.

The potential effect of wind turbines on radar systems has been raised at a number of developments recently.

The Ministry of Defence has objected to some proposals on those grounds, but its claims have been contested by power companies.