August 20, 2010
Scotland

Proposals for wind turbines at Auchnagatt fail to win approval

By Gary Cruden, The Press and Journal, www.pressandjournal.co.uk 20 August 2010

Planners in warning about ‘detrimental impact’ on area

A farmer has been told he will not be allowed to build three wind turbines in the north-east countryside.

David Smith applied to construct three 300ft turbines on two-and-a-half acres of land to the south-west of Auchnagatt, near Ellon.

He already has planning permission for four turbines at Skelmonae Farm, near Methlick, and had hoped the development at Cloffrickford, Skilmafilly and Denmore would link up with the Skelmonae project.

Opponents to the plans said that the turbines would be ugly, noisy and could spoil the rural views.

There were also concerns about shadow flicker from the blades.

Planning officers warned the scheme would have a “detrimental impact” on the area.

However, members of the Buchan area committee went against officials’ recommendations and backed the project at a prior meeting.

Planners told members of the infrastructure services committee that the land could not accommodate three turbines.

The applicant argued the site would help the council meet its renewable energy targets and that when the site was decommissioned at the end of its life there would be no sign left that the turbines had ever been there.

He also pointed out the turbines were 95% recyclable.

Mr Smith, of Cloffrickford Farm, near Auchnagatt, also claimed there was overwhelming support for the project.

Committee chairman Peter Argyle said: “These turbine applications are always difficult.

“Some people like them, some don’t.

“Some think it makes a difference to climate change and some think it’s a red herring.”

Councillors voted eight to six in favour of throwing out the proposals.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/08/20/proposals-for-wind-turbines-at-auchnagatt-fail-to-win-approval/