March 18, 2011
Scotland

Wigtown Bay wind farm bid knocked back by government

BBC News, www.bbc.co.uk 18 March 2011

Controversial plans to build a wind farm at Wigtown Bay have been knocked back by the Scottish government.

The site off Dumfries and Galloway had been earmarked for about 90 turbines. The proposal faced opposition during the consultation process.

A Scottish government economic assessment has found that tourism would be the biggest loser because of the turbines’ visual impact.

An extension to Robin Rigg wind farm in the Solway Firth was also ruled out.

The Scottish government has control on planning issues within 12 miles (19.3km) of the shore.

Roy Walter, of campaign group Keep Wigtown Bay Natural, said its hard work had finally paid off.

“Obviously it is what we have worked for the past six months,” he said.

“To use a cliché, it is a victory for common sense.

“As we have said all along it should never have made the draft plan anyway, so the outcome from our point of view is met with some satisfaction.”