September 15, 2010
Scotland

Windfarm’s giant turbines will be ‘loud and ugly’

By Jamie Buchan - pressandjournal.co.uk

Windfarm opponents clashed with green energy developers during council talks at Peterhead yesterday.

The Buchan residents are contesting plans to instal three turbines on land at Auchenten, near Hatton.

More than 120 households have objected to the scheme, claiming the 276ft masts will be loud, ugly and could devalue properties.

The main argument against the proposal is that the three-bladed wind turbines could be hazardous to aircraft taking off and landing at a nearby airstrip.

Yesterday, agents for Winchester doctor Gordon Masson, who is behind the plan, said he would be willing to pay for the runway to be rerouted, so that planes flew away from the turbines.

Pilot Jim Anderson, who has owned the private airstrip for 18 years, said last night he had no interest in cutting a deal, however.

Yesterday, Dr Masson’s application for planning consent was brought before members of the Buchan area committee.

Councillors voted to visit the three-acre site before making a decision.

During the meeting, objectors were given the chance to address the committee.

David Moore, of Moss Croft, near Ellon, said: “These are huge structures, a lot bigger than the Wallace Monument, which is 67 metres (220ft) high, and there would be three of them outside our windows.”

He said his home overlooked the nesting grounds of thousands of pink-footed geese.

“There are certainly a lot more of these birds than the applicants have suggested in their wildlife study,” he said.

Alan Quirke, of Mosstown, near Hatton, said there was no need for the windfarm.

“This development serves no useful purpose to the local communities or even towards national energy targets.

“It will only serve to be an eyesore to hundreds of residents and thousands of motorists.”

Representing Dr Masson at yesterday’s meeting, Gavin Catto of Green Cat Renewables, said the main issue was the nearby runway.

“There are many airstrips which have obstacles nearby,” he said. “It is the duty of the airport operator to ensure pilots are aware of hazards and how to deal with them.”

He added: “We believe there is space on Mr Anderson’s land for the airstrip to be re-routed. Dr Masson would be willing to pay for this.”

Mr Catto said he was keen to discuss costs with the airstrip’s owner, but last night Mr Anderson, of Ardiffery, near Hatton, rejected the offer.

“I have no interest in any money or bribes that these people are offering,” he said.

Buchan area councillors voted to visit the site and speak with Mr Anderson before returning in the coming weeks to consider the application again.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/09/15/windfarms-giant-turbines-will-be-loud-and-ugly/