November 16, 2010
Scotland

Former Scots ‘pig king’ loses appeal over wind turbines

By Gillian Duncan, The Press and Journal, www.pressandjournal.co.uk 16 November 2010

Scotland’s former “pig king” has lost a battle to build three wind turbines in the Aberdeenshire countryside.

Arthur Simmers, once one of the country’s biggest pig producers, appealed to the Scottish Government after councillors blocked plans for three 303ft turbines at Mains of Cairnbrogie Farm, Oldmeldrum.

A planning reporter appointed by ministers has now dismissed the appeal, saying people living at Craigdam would be adversely affected.

Giving his decision, Richard Dent said: “There are several other windfarms, typically with three or four turbines, within view of Mains of Cairnbrogie Farm. The scale of the landscape absorbs these structures which therefore have little cumulative effect.

“I believe an additional three turbines at the appeal site could also be accommodated without significant adverse cumulative impact on landscape character.

“The proposed turbines would have a significant adverse visual impact on the local road network, including national cycle route one which follows the minor road to the east of the site.

“However, I do not think this effect would be so severe as to warrant refusal.

“Similarly, although the turbines would appear as a prominent feature from parts of Tarves, I do not believe that the level of adverse impact merits withholding permission.”

However, Mr Dent said that people living in Craigdam would be badly affected by the development.

“In my opinion, a small number of houses in the south-west part of Craigdam, which have a direct outlook to the south, would experience a high adverse visual impact from the northernmost turbine,” he said.

“Although screening and window orientation would reduce the internal effect on other properties, I consider that there would also be the potential for a significant adverse impact on the rear garden area of houses to the south of the road through Craigdam.

“All in all, although there is no right to a view, I conclude that the proposed turbines would be harmful to the established level of residential amenity in Craigdam.”

Mr Dent added: “Overall, I have concluded that the proposal is contrary to the provisions of the development plan and there are no material considerations leading me to conclude other than that planning permission should not be granted.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/11/16/former-scots-pig-king-loses-appeal-over-wind-turbines/