December 2, 2010
Scotland

Number of turbines cut in plan for major Moy windfarm

By Neil MacPhail The Press and Journal, www.pressandjournal.co.uk 2 December 2010

Fewer turbines are now proposed in the large windfarm proposed for the hills above Moy, south of Inverness, after local concern about the project.

Carbon Free, the developers of the site, have amended plans, according to feedback gathered during community consultation and extensive environmental studies.

These include a reduction in the number of turbines from 55 to 46.

The new plans will be unveiled at a series of exhibitions taking place between December 9 and 11. The events are part of the formal consultation process that precedes the submission of a formal application to the Scottish Government.

Carbon Free director Dominic Farrugia said: “We have listened closely to the views of residents and have redesigned the layout of the windfarm in a way which addresses issues raised.

“The comments received have helped us re-work our plans in a way which meets the concerns of the community, results in a reduced impact on the landscape and ensures a project that will generate significant community benefit.

“Those who cannot attend will be able to view and comment on the updated plans online, or can call our free community information line on 0800 088 4322.”

The redesigned windfarm has resulted in an increase in the distances between the turbines and the main settlements in the area to further reduce visibility.

The layout changes include:

Increasing the distance between Daviot and the windfarm by removing five turbines west of Dalraich Burn.

Reducing the number of turbines closest to Moy residents from seven to six and relocating the remaining six 300yards further away from properties.

Repositioning turbines to further reduce visibility from Tomatin.

Eliminating and moving turbines to ensure that they cannot be seen at all from Dava Moor and Lochindorb.

Reducing the number of water crossings and repositioning the roads away from Dalraich and Moy burns.

Altering the road layout to avoid deep peat.

Carbon Free Developments will present its updated plans at exhibitions on Thursday, December 9, at the Highland Hospice, Inverness, noon to 8pm; on Friday, December 10 at Strathdearn Hall, Tomatin, noon to 8pm; and Saturday, December 11, at Daviot village hall, 9am to 2pm.

Carbon Free plans to offer a community benefit package worth in excess of £4,500 per MW each year if the windfarm receives planning consent.

Updated plans will be available from Thursday December 9 at http://www.moywindfarm.co.uk/index.html

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/12/02/number-of-turbines-cut-in-plan-for-major-moy-windfarm/