October 4, 2011
Scotland

Storm over wind farms

Glasgow Evening Times, www.eveningtimes.co.uk 3 October 2011

One of Scotland’s most popular beauty spots could be ruined by plans for a wind farm, say campaigners.

Proposals for the wind farm of 20 turbines at Craigievern, near Drymen, have been put forward by Banks Renewables.

However, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park has raised “significant concerns” about the site.

It comes on top of a separate formal application lodged by Lomond Energy to build 10 turbines at nearby Bonhill, to the south of the loch.

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park said there were concerns about the impact of the Drymen site and the combined effect of the developments.

A report by the park authority said: “The site lies on the National Park boundary and in close proximity to the Trossachs and Loch Lomond National Scenic Areas as well as several locally designated landscape areas.

“It is essential that the impacts on views to and from these areas and the changes likely to the special qualities of these areas are taken into account.”

Banks Renewables has a list of recommendations from Stirling Council to consider in the firm’s forthcoming environmental impact assessment and planning application.

Concerns about the impact on wildlife have been raised by Scottish Natural Heritage as capercaillie and Greenland white-fronted geese are often seen in the area.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/10/04/storm-over-wind-farms/