February 11, 2012
Scotland

Turbine group hits out at windfarm

by Stuart Gillespie, Galloway News, www.dgstandard.co.uk 9 February 2012

A windfarm watchdog has hit out at new plans for a massive development in the Stewartry.

Turbine Watch 312 pointed out the Loch Urr proposals for up to 50 turbines are next door to the controversial Blackcraig 23 turbine scheme, bitterly contested at a public inquiry.

E.ON UK unveiled its Loch Urr plan, which could see 126-metre-high turbines scattered across 2,400 hectares of rugged upland, last week.

It claims enough electricity could be generated for around 95,000 homes while a community benefits fund generating some £750,000 a year could be set up.

TW312’s Keith Mycock said: “The recent announcement that yet another 50 turbine wind farm is proposed for Loch Urr, next to Blackcraig’s 23 already approved, demonstrates the trend that once one wind farm has been approved it clears the way for others to be built close by or an extension to the original approval.

“This is the danger facing the area around Kirkcudbright: if one application for large turbines is approved more will follow with very little chance of stopping them.”

E.ON are aiming to apply for planning permission for two metrological masts by the spring. The masts will be used to gather information on wind, weather and noise levels.

Public information sessions have been organised for:

Corsock Village Hall, Wednesday, February 29; Moniaive Memorial Institute on Thursday, March 1; Glenriddell Hall, Dunscore, Tuesday, March 6; and Balmaclellan Village Hall, Wednesday, March 7. All will be open between 4pm and 8pm.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/02/11/turbine-group-hits-out-at-windfarm/