November 23, 2011
Scotland

Turbine scheme threatens business

Graham Crawford, Banffshire Journal, www.banffshire-journal.co.uk 16 November 2011

A Longmanhill couple say they will lose their equestrian business and dream home if permission is granted for two large turbines on nearby land.

Fiona Mackinnon and her partner say the proposals have already forced them to halt work on a half-built house on their 15-acre site at The Stables, Bruntyards, three miles south of Macduff.

“We stopped building the moment we received notification from e-Gen Partners Ltd (e-Gen) last month of its intention to erect two 79-metre high turbines at Newtown of Foulzie,” said Ms Mackinnon (35).

“If the application is granted, there will be no house. We will have no option but to quit everything here and sell up.

“The proposed turbines would be too close to the road where we walk our horses. It would be a danger to them, me and any other riders

“The horses would be easily spooked by noise and shadow flicker.

“The British Horse Society recommends that turbines should be at least three times their height away from the nearest road; these would be half that distance.

“There are also three neighbours close to the turbine site who regularly ride along this road, among others. They are also concerned about the safety issue while riding out.

“Our clients include adults, children and a disabled girl that keep their horses here simply for the safe road riding around our facility. They feel turbines would affect their enjoyment of their horses being here.”

For more on this story, pick up a copy of this week’s Banffshire Journal, on sale now.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/11/23/turbine-scheme-threatens-business/