September 14, 2011
Scotland

Turbines refused

Buchan Observer, www.buchanobserver.co.uk 14 September 2011

An application for two wind turbines has been refused on the basis that it could affect a radar facility and air traffic control at Aberdeen Airport.

Mr John Glennie, of Upper Weetingshill wished for full consent for two 20kw turbines with a total height of 27m on land at his farm.

In a report to go before the committee, planning officer Stuart Newlands stated: “In terms of technical consultations both NATS and BAA have objected to the proposed development on the grounds that the turbines would adversely impact upon the safe operation of the radar and air traffic control system serving Aberdeen Airport.

“In terms of the impact upon operations the proposed turbine will be visible to the radar system and will result in false plots being displayed on air traffic control screens as a result of reflection from the turbine. This will also obscure real targets and data being displayed and affect radar ability to track and detect aircraft.

“The principle issue to consider relates to the potential impact which these turbines will have upon the safe operation of the radar and air traffic control system serving Aberdeen Airport.

“Each wind turbine is visible to radar systems and creates ‘clutter’ on the radar screens, until this time it appears that the level of interference within this part of Buchan was manageable in terms of the safe operation of these systems.

“However it now appears that further interference caused by additional turbines such as the two proposed would have an unacceptable impact upon the safe operation of the air traffic control system.

“As a result and in view of the objections lodged by NATS and the BAA the planning service is unable to support the proposed development,” he adds.

Councillor Norman Smith said: “We need to listen to what NATS is saying as these turbines would cause a problem for air traffic.”

Members agreed the recommendation to refuse the application.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/09/14/turbines-refused-2/