December 4, 2010
Scotland

Appeal over windfarm refusal

By Jane Candlish, The Press and Journal, www.pressandjournal.co.uk 4 December 2010

A company behind plans for a windfarm overlooking a scenic Highland loch have lodged an appeal against refusal of their proposals.

Infinergy, with Cawdor Estate, applied to build 17 turbines at Tom nan Clach, in hills overlooking Dava Moor.

Highland councillors refused the plans in August, stating that the development would have an adverse effect on the “experience of Lochindorb”, which lies nine miles away.

The castle and loch were the stronghold of the infamous Wolf of Badenoch, Alexander Stewart.

He ransacked Forres and burned Elgin Cathedral to the ground in 1390, in revenge against the church for its support of his estranged wife.

Infinergy lodged its appeal with the Scottish Government’s directorate for planning and environmental appeals this week.

Infinergy’s project manager Mark van Rij said: “We believe this is a well-designed windfarm in an excellent location, and this was reflected in the responses from the statutory consultees in the process.”

Pat Wells, convener of Strathdearn Against Windfarm Developments, said: “We were expecting Infinergy to appeal because, although it will involve them in extra expense, it will be minimal compared with the public subsidy it will receive through the Renewables Obligation – about £45 per MWH generated or £300,000 per turbine per year.

“In essence, this is a public subsidy to ruin the Highland landscape.

“We will continue fighting to stop these industrial windfarm developments which will be so damaging to the environment and tourist economy and which will produce no overall benefits to the Highlands.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/12/04/appeal-over-windfarm-refusal/