September 20, 2011
Scotland

Councillors visit wind farm site

By Val Sweeney, The Inverness Courier, www.inverness-courier.co.uk 20 September 2011

Campaigners against controversial plans for a wind farm between Kiltarlity and Drumnadrochit turned out in force this morning as councillors toured the area.

Objectors also flew a large red blimp close to the proposed site of the 23-turbine Druim Ba wind farm.

The Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey planning applications committee visited various locations to get an idea of the visual impact of the proposed project.

Stopping points included Abriachan Village Hall and Moniack Writers Centre, where campaigners had gathered. Councillors also visited Ardendrain, Kiltarlity and Beauly Railway Station.

They are due to return to Highland Council headquarters this afternoon to determine the application by developer Druim Ba Sustainable Energy.

Planning officers are recommending the committee oppose it due to the adverse visual impact on the area, although the ultimate decision lies with the Scottish Government.

Among the objectors who gathered at Moniack Writers Centre was Warwick Lister-Kay, of Aigas Field Centre.

He said the centre relied on natural tourism and landscape tourism.

“The point I am trying to make is this wind farm will be detrimental,” Mr Lister-Kay said.

Check back here later for an update on the decision.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/09/20/councillors-visit-wind-farm-site/