May 30, 2012
Scotland

Rothiemay wind turbine bid blown away

www.banffshire-journal.co.uk 30 May 2012

A final bid to establish an 80-metre high wind turbine overlooking a Deveron Valley beauty spot has been rejected by the Scottish Government.

Norman Bruce, of Mossford Farm, Rothiemay, met strong local opposition to a bid for three turbines which was then revised to a single structure high above Marnoch.

The application prompted the setting up of Marnoch Deveron Valley Protection Group by opponents determined to preserve the unspoilt beauty of their area.

Last October, the group won a rare victory against the march of turbines across Aberdeenshire when Banff and Buchan area committee councillors agreed by six votes to back their planners’ recommendation to refuse the application.

Planners had stressed strong concern over the impact the proposed structure would have on category A and B-listed monuments and buildings in the surrounding area.

The councillors’ decision was a heavy blow for Mr Bruce, of whom it was suggested that he had bought his 100-acre farm at over the market value three years earlier with the aim of reaping the benefits of large payments for producing wind energy.

Last week, councillors were told that Scottish Government Reporter David Buylla had dismissed an appeal from Mr Norman against the decision of the council last October.

Read the full story in the Banffshire Journal

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/05/30/rothiemay-wind-turbine-bid-blown-away/