November 3, 2010
Scotland

Windfarm accuses another of trying to steal its wind

Press & Journal, 1 November 2010

A planned windfarm is being opposed by another windfarm which fears the development will ‘steal its wind’.

The bizarre twist concerns Caithness Power, which wants to build four 240ft-high turbines at Upper Smeral at Latheronwheel on land owned by Archie Sinclair.

But the plans have been objected to by nearby Boulfruich Windfarm.

This development consists of 15 smallish turbines above the village of Dunbeath, on the edge of a scattered settlement of crofting land owned by Tony Hall.

A letter of objection was lodged on September 30 with Highland Council planners by South Forrest Solicitors, acting on behalf of Boulfruich.

It states: “It is too close and [will] impede the performance of the wind turbines at Boulfruich.

“The development lies ap¬proximately due south and would be located directly in one of the most productive wind paths for Boulfruich Windfarm. If approved the effect will be to potentially reduce the performance of Boulfruich by between 16% (5,760MW per annum) and 24% (8,640MW per annum), depending on wind speed.

“It is understood that the unconfirmed wind turbine types that are proposed are taller than those existing at Boulfruich Windfarm and will, on average, overshadow Boulfruich. The turbines will therefore present a ‘wall of interference’ to the existing site of Boulfruich.”

Stuart Young, chairman of Caithness Windfarm Infomation Forum, said: “It is well known that windfarms divide communities and set neighbour against neighbour, but windfarm against windfarm takes the biscuit.”

The application, lodged just recently, is still at the consultation stage and will be considered by councillors early next year.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/11/03/windfarm-accuses-another-of-trying-to-steal-its-wind/