April 18, 2008
Scotland

Turbines plan could face planning problems

Nine wind turbines proposed near Fintry could be dealt a blow by the national park next week.

Park planners are recommending the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park’s planning committee on Monday that it lodges an objection to the proposal.

RDC Scotland Ltd wants to erect the turbines, a permanent 70 metre monitoring mast and other equipment at Ling Hill, north west of the existing 15-turbine Earlsburn Windfarm.

But the park officials say the cumulate visual impact of the new proposal could be “significant” for the national park, despite its boundary being 11 miles away.

In a report to the committee the planners say: “It is recommended the national park authority formally objects to this proposal due to the landscape importance of the Fintry, Gargunnock, Touch Hills in their role as part of the setting for the park, notably as seen in the approach to the Highland Boundary Fault zone.

“In this context the proposal is considered to have an adverse visual impact on the special qualities of the national park, which are of national and international value.

“Of additional concern is the contribution this proposal would make to the cumulative impacts of windfarms outwith the park and therefore the impacts on the experience of those living in, visiting and travelling to and from the park.”