December 11, 2010
Scotland

Planners backing turbines proposal

By Stephen Christie, The Press and Journal, www.pressandjournal.co.uk 11 December 2010

Plans to build three wind turbines in an area of north-east countryside have won backing from Aberdeenshire Council officials, despite complaints about overcrowding from residents.

Ian Wisely wants to instal the 65ft masts near his home at South Law, New Pitsligo.

The council received 11 letters of objection from residents. Among their concerns were the negative impact on wildlife and the landscape.

There were also fears that a category C-listed building close to the proposed masts could be overshadowed by the turbines, but these have been dismissed by planner Louise Byrne in a report to councillors.

She said: “The siting of the proposal on the slope of a hill is considered acceptable on the basis that the location would not hold a prominent position within the landscape.

“In addition, the slope of the hill will provide a screen or backdrop to the base of the structure depending on view points and will absorb some of the impact from the height and scale of the structure.”

She has recommended that Banff and Buchan councillors grant planning permission when they meet at Fraserburgh on Tuesday.

Planners previously raised concerns about another project proposed by potato farmer Alan Twatt, who wanted to build two 320ft structures nearby.

In a report to an earlier meeting, Ms Byrne’s colleague, Chris Ormiston, warned of the “cumulative impact” of Mr Twatt’s scheme and revealed there were seven other turbine schemes within 10 miles of the site at Greenhill Croft, Bonnykelly, near New Pitsligo.

Mr Twatt’s project was eventually backed by councillors after it was referred to the local authority’s infrastructure services committee. Members argued his development would bring jobs to the region and produce green energy.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/12/11/planners-backing-turbines-proposal/