September 7, 2011
Scotland

RSPB fears for eagles as wind-farm firm appeals

By Frank Urquhart, The Scotsman, scotsman.com 7 September 2011

RSPB Scotland yesterday attacked the decision by a renewable energy company to appeal a second ruling by ministers against a wind farm in one of the most productive areas in the country for golden eagles.

Bagmoor Wind’s proposal for a 14-turbine wind farm at Stacain, near Inveraray, Argyll, was refused for a second time in July following a six-year planning process that has already involved two public local inquiries.

But the company has announced it is to appeal.

Aedán Smith, the head of planning and development at RSPB Scotland, condemned the move as “wholly irresponsible” and a huge drain on precious public resources.

He said the development, within the Glen Etive and Glen Fyne Special Protection Area for golden eagles, would pose a significant threat to birds, through habitat loss and a risk of collision with turbines.

Mr Smith said: “The developer’s continued insistence on this wholly inappropriate wind farm is damaging the reputation of the industry. Thankfully, most renewable developers are focused on delivering much-needed sustainable proposals in the right place that do not harm precious habitats or wildlife and help reduce greenhouse gases.”

He claimed: “This latest appeal smacks of desperation and shows the developers have little regard for wildlife. This project has twice been refused by Scottish ministers because of its damaging impact on golden eagles, and yet the developers persist in appealing to the courts.

“Bagmoor Wind … should stop flogging this dead horse, accept it is a damaging development that is neither needed nor wanted and concentrate on developing in more appropriate locations.”

No-one from Bagmoor Wind could be contacted for comment yesterday.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/09/07/rspb-fears-for-eagles-as-wind-farm-firm-appeals/