January 14, 2012
Scotland

Mountaineering group urge council to oppose Kincraig wind farm

By Clive Dennier, Strathspey & Badenoch Herald, www.strathspey-herald.co.uk 13 January 2012

Highland Councll’s planning committee has been urged again by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) to reject plans for a wind farm by Kincraig.

The latest plea from the MCofS comes ahead of the committee’s planning hearing on Tuesday on the proposed Allt Duine wind farm application in the Monadhliaths.

Highland councillors will decide whether to accept or reject the proposals to construct 31 turbines in the afternoon following a visit to Cairn Gorm – to view the site around six kilometres from Kincraig -in the morning from the high top.

The MCofS have said they hope there will be a clear view so that councillors can understand the scale of the intrusive visual impact on the landscape, if approved.

The site visit, the group said, will also allow councillors to understand the cumulative impact of the other ten proposed wind farms proposed along the northern arc of the national park.

MCofS President Brian Linington said: “Highland councillors have an opportunity on Tuesday to demonstrate a long-sighted and enlightened approach to what is fast becoming a clash between the Scottish Government’s energy policy and the superb mountain landscapes for which Scotland is internationally famous.

“We call on them to show leadership to the rest of the nation and demonstrate that whilst we may need renewable energy we do not need it at any price. It is time to value what we have.”

Developers RWE npower renewables have said the wind farm could generate electricity for up to 43,000 homes.

The site is located in the Highland Council’s preferred area of search for wind farms and is not located in an area which is subject to any landscape designations.

Spokeswoman Jenny Gascoigne told the Strathy recently: “Although close to the Cairngorms National Park, the turbines would be shielded by the ridgeline which forms the park boundary.

“Because of the careful design, it would not be visible from the A9 or settlements of Kincraig, Kingussie or Aviemore within the Strathspey valley.

“We have worked hard to design a wind farm which has minimal effects on all aspects of the environment, and Scottish Natural Heritage have not objected to this application.

“A tourism impact assessment which involved questioning local businesses on the anticipated effects of the wind farm has been included with the application, and does not anticipate a significant impact on tourist resources or tourism businesses in the area.”

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/01/14/mountaineering-group-urge-council-to-oppose-kincraig-wind-farm/